Acting ICE Director Addresses Los Angeles Protest Amid Nationwide Pushback

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Source: Newsweek

Published Jun 07, 2025 at 5:02 PM EDT | Updated Jun 07, 2025 at 5:31 PM EDT


Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons issued a statement on Saturday condemning the violence during protests in downtown Los Angeles that erupted during and after a series of federal immigration raids overnight.

Why It Matters

Since his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping change, mainly through executive orders, and has prioritized immigration control as a key pillar within the administration. Recently, the president utilized the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime law that grants the commander-in-chief authority to detain or deport non-citizens. The implementation was originally blocked in federal court and sparked a contentious legal back-and-forth.

Trump also campaigned on the promise of mass deportations and appointed Tom Homan as his administration's border czar to execute his agenda. Meanwhile, the confrontations in Los Angeles, a sanctuary city, highlight escalating disputes between federal immigration authorities and city officials over enforcement tactics, community safety, and sanctuary policies.

Tensions ran high as ICE officers, carrying out an increased number of raids under federal policy, were met with anger and direct action from protesters and immigrant rights supporters. At least 44 people were arrested during the protests, during which officers used pepper spray and tear gas on the hundreds of protesters outside federal buildings, Reuters reported.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/acting-ice-director-addresses-los-angeles-protest-nationwide-pushback-2082380