Protests erupted in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, 2025, as demonstrators clashed with police during a rally against immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration. The unrest led to significant property damage, including the destruction of several Waymo autonomous taxis.
The protests began in the Civic Center area, with crowds gathering early in the day. By the afternoon, tensions escalated, and around 3:30 p.m., protesters spilled onto the 101 Freeway, prompting the California Highway Patrol to close the road. Officers worked to disperse the crowds, resulting in several arrests.
As the day progressed, a group of demonstrators targeted five Waymo vehicles parked on Los Angeles Street. Protesters slashed tires, smashed windows, and spray-painted anti-ICE messages on the taxis. Three of the vehicles were set ablaze, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Videos captured during the incident showed people tearing doors off the vehicles and even using a skateboard to break windows.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the flames while police urged people to stay away from the area. A strong, acrid smell lingered in the air due to the burning lithium-ion batteries in the vehicles, which can release toxic gases.
Waymo, which operates a fleet of self-driving taxis, confirmed that they were in contact with law enforcement regarding the incident. The company’s vehicles have become frequent targets for vandalism in recent months, with past incidents reported in both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The protests were part of a larger backlash against the immigration enforcement actions taken by federal authorities. Demonstrators expressed their anger over the raids, which they viewed as aggressive and unjust. The situation in Los Angeles reflects a growing tension surrounding immigration policies and the community’s response to them.