Over 100 Arrested in Downtown L.A. as Late-Night Protests Turn Chaotic, Says Mayor Bass
LOS ANGELES, June 10, 2025 — More than 100 individuals were arrested late Monday night in downtown Los Angeles as late-night demonstrations descended into chaos, prompting a strong response from law enforcement. Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence and vandalism, attributing the escalation to fringe groups acting outside the peaceful intentions of earlier protests.
“What we’re seeing downtown is just horrible,” Mayor Bass told ABC affiliate KABC during a late-night phone interview. “But you know that the majority of people that attended the protest this afternoon were peaceful.”
Earlier in the day, thousands gathered in central Los Angeles to protest against ongoing federal immigration sweeps, joining a national wave of demonstrations aimed at calling attention to the humanitarian concerns and political implications of recent federal enforcement actions. The afternoon protests were largely peaceful, featuring coordinated marches, speeches, and organized calls for policy change.
However, as night fell, the mood shifted.
Late-Night Unrest Erupts
According to Mayor Bass, the unrest intensified during the nighttime hours, with “fringe groups” taking advantage of the situation to instigate violence and property damage.
“It’s my understanding that over 100 people have been arrested tonight,” Bass said, noting that the majority were taken into custody for unlawful assembly. “The more-violent protesting and vandalism were happening late at night,” she added.
Images and videos from downtown showed members of law enforcement detaining individuals as officers in riot gear moved through the streets. Protesters clashed with police near key federal buildings, including the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, which has become a focal point for recent demonstrations.
Officers reported instances of vandalism, broken windows, and projectiles being thrown at law enforcement. In response, dozens of cruisers, tactical units, and National Guard personnel were deployed to secure the area.
Arrests and Evaluations
Mayor Bass emphasized that those arrested would be evaluated individually, including background checks for any outstanding warrants. However, she was careful to distinguish the peaceful protestors from those involved in the late-night violence.
“This has nothing to do with the protests that happened earlier this afternoon,” she stated firmly. “That was a protest — fighting for the rights of immigrants and calling for the raids to stop.”
A Call for Calm and Accountability
City officials, civil rights groups, and community leaders have echoed Bass’s sentiments, urging Angelenos to remain peaceful and vigilant in the face of escalating tensions.
“This moment requires unity, not division,” said a representative from the Los Angeles Coalition for Immigrant Justice. “We support the right to protest, but we do not support violence or destruction. The true message of the movement must not be hijacked.”
As investigations continue and arrests are processed, the city is bracing for additional protests in the coming days. Organizers have called for further demonstrations, but also for discipline and nonviolence in their ongoing resistance to what they describe as unjust immigration policies.
What Comes Next
With more protests anticipated, law enforcement is preparing to maintain a significant presence in downtown Los Angeles. Mayor Bass reiterated that the city supports the right to protest peacefully and is committed to protecting both public safety and civil liberties.
As the national debate over immigration enforcement continues, the events unfolding in Los Angeles have become emblematic of the deep divisions — and passionate activism — defining this pivotal moment in American politics.
