LOS ANGELES–Law enforcement continued to fire flash bangs in an effort to disperse remaining protesters and agitators near City Hall in downtown Los Angeles where unlawful assembly has been declared.

Hong says protests in LA can change very quickly — one moment peaceful, the next chaotic. But he always tries to stay safe while telling the story through his images.

As the military presence ramped up in Los Angeles, communities are preparing for the largest protests against Trump since he took office.

In June 2025, as immigration enforcement actions sparked protests in Los Angeles, a claim (archived) circulated that a video authentically showed burning, graffitied police cars during protests in the city in June 2025. One X user posted the footage on June 8, 2025, captioned "Absolute CHAOS in Los Angeles right now…"

Dozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles region banded together to demand that the Trump administration stop the stepped-up immigration raids that have spread fear across their cities and sparked protests across the U.

While tensions escalate as protests against ICE continue to grip major cities, "No Kings" demonstrations are underway across the U.S.

The protesters gathered in downtown L.A. are a microcosm of the Democratic coalition that has dominated the city for decades.

Former sheriff's deputy Patrick Gipson criticizes Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for handling of LA riots, blaming delayed National Guard deployment and progressive policies.