Riots in Los Angeles are escalating. Experts talk about disturbing scenarios. “The situation got out of control”
On Wednesday evening, thousands of people came out on the streets of Los Angeles again. Opposite the demonstration stood the horse police, followed by officers with weapons with rubber balls and sticks. They tried to surround the demonstrators many times. During the escape of hundreds of people, violence was used by safety forces and arrests.
According to comments on social media, it looked as if the police wanted to use particularly strong funds to break the wave of protests.
“Bild” reporter saw the NBC reporter to be almost overturned by a storm of policemen on horses who shouted “Move!” (“Go!”). People escaped from the advancing officers in panic.
Horse police are trying to master the protests in Los Angeles, June 11, 2025.
It should be noted that after days of often violent riots, attacks on the police, acts of vandalism and looting, the demonstration preceding the police storm was mostly calm (apart from the continuous painting of graffiti, mainly by young vandals).
In the face of the mobilization of federal troops (4,000 National Guard soldiers, 700 marines) by US President Donald Trump, the mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass has recently tightened the tone. Since Tuesday, there is a night police hour, which at least at the beginning allowed to master the situation a bit.
In any case, the entire United States looks at the California metropolis, in which the nationwide wave of protests against Trump's hard immigration policy began on Friday, June 6. Clashes and arrests occurred, among others in Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Austin. The National Guard was also mobilized in Texas. Activists called for further mass demonstrations throughout the country.
“The situation got out of control”
Sending the National Guard to Los Angeles caused great controversy. Donald Trump ordered to mobilize and relocate about 2,000 to the California metropolis. soldiers and 700 marines – but without the consent of the Gavin Newsom governor. He reacted with indignation and called for resistance. California authorities appealed against the president's decision to court.
Riots are becoming more and more brutal and according to the CNN report are infiltrated by professional groups of armed hooligans.
In total, several hundred people have been arrested so far in Los Angeles, dozens of policemen were injured from thrown stones. Some stores have been plundered.
According to prof. Thomas Jager from the University of Cologne, the current situation shows how much the United States is divided.
– However, this will not lead to a civil war, because there are not sufficient armed forces on the side of the protesters (as opposed to right -wing radicals), and it is clear that the army immediately intervenes. Every resistance will be strangled in the bud – says Jager.
It is not clear, however, whether Trump intends to use chaos to strengthen his power, as some commentators say. However, the president has repeatedly suggested that he could apply for the third term. Jager thinks “he would be able to do it.”
The US expert from the Think Tank Tank Trilateral Commission Josef Bramp believes that the news completely underestimated the scale of protests.
– According to Newsoma, California had a situation under control. However, when asked whether the National Guard is needed, the head of the police in Los Angeles replied: “If you look at the evening, the situation got out of control,” says Bragl.
Protesters often carry the flags of Mexico. They place them on the roofs of cars, wave them on motorcycles or carry them like capes. For Trump, this is proof of “invasion of foreign enemies”.
– We, Mexicans, built this city. This is our pride! – says Maria K., a participant in the protest march in an interview with “Bild”. It does not agree that its flag in the United States may be picked up as a provocation.
Activist Nicole Holiday speaks in a similar spirit.
– This country has been stolen – that's why staying here without documents is legal – he says.
Trump loses important voters
One thing is certain – the growing dissatisfaction can lead to loss of support for Republicans among the voter group important for Trump. Finally 46 percent Latinos entitled to vote chose him as president in 2024.
In states such as Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and more and more often Georgia and North Karolina, Latin voters often have a decisive influence on the election result.
For this reason, the Republicans count on their support in supplementary elections in 2026 – but Trump may lose them now. The Republican senator of MYYANA GARCIA, who has contacts in the Latin community, accused the US President “Inhumanity”.
“We didn't choose him,” she said.
