Riots Spread to San Francisco, Police Arrest 60

SAN FRANCISCO, MONDAY — Protests against the immigration policies of the United States Government in the State of California have escalated. Previously, protests took place in Los Angeles and intensified. The protests spread to San Francisco and culminated in riots.

The San Francisco Police Department, according to an AFP report on Monday (9/6/2025), arrested 60 protesters on Sunday night. Through a post on X, the San Francisco police stated that there was an unlawful gathering of the masses.

The New York Times reported that the demonstration began Sunday night as a peaceful gathering to show solidarity with those in Los Angeles. But it quickly turned violent.

Protesters and police clashed physically in the streets of downtown San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Police Department, at least two officers were injured and public transport vehicles were damaged.

“Approximately 60 people were arrested, including minors,” the San Francisco Police Department tweeted on X.

Protests in San Francisco occurred as a result of a demonstration that turned violent in Los Angeles. Since Friday (6/6/2025), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted raids and detained immigrants in Los Angeles.

Axios reported that ICE operations have arrested 118 individuals on suspicion of immigration violations. Residents of Los Angeles are opposing these distressing actions. Protests have been ongoing for the past three days.

U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the demonstrations in Los Angeles as riots. He deployed National Guard troops to disperse the demonstrations on Sunday (8/6/2025). Instead of calming down, clashes between demonstrators and National Guard troops became inevitable.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers set up a barrier some distance away from federal buildings on Sunday afternoon. The installation was intended to prevent contact between angry demonstrators and a large number of armed National Guard members from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who gathered wearing helmets and camouflage gear.

The LAPD arrested at least 56 people during two days of demonstrations, while three officers suffered minor injuries.

The deployment of the Front Guard by Trump has drawn criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Through a post on X, Newsom stated that the deployment of the National Guard is unlawful.

"This is a serious violation of state sovereignty, escalating tensions while diverting resources from where they are needed. Cancel that order. Restore control to California," he wrote on X.

The U.S. Northern Command has confirmed that a total of 2,000 California National Guard troops will be deployed. The National Guard is a reserve force that is often utilized in natural disasters and occasionally in cases of civil unrest.

Trump used Title 10 of the U.S. Code regarding the Armed Forces as the legal basis. Title 10 allows the deployment of the National Guard in the event of a rebellion against government authority. However, the order should be issued through the state governor.

The deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to California by Trump marks the first time in several decades that a U.S. President has openly opposed a state governor. Observers assess that Trump is essentially executing a takeover of the state's military regiment to address law violations on the city streets.

"This is the first time since 1965 that a president has deployed the National Guard without a request from the state governor," posted Kenneth Roth, former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), on X.

"Previously, (President Lyndon) Johnson protected civil rights protesters. Now Trump creates a spectacle so he can continue his immigration raids," tweeted Roth.

Elizabeth Goitein from the Brennan Center for Justice warned about the alarming abuse of power by Trump. Moreover, Trump's memorandum authorized the federalization of National Guard troops in locations where protests against federal immigration functions have occurred or are likely to occur.

"Trump has authorized the deployment of troops anywhere in the country where protests against ICE activities may occur," wrote Goitein on X.

“That is a big red flag,” he continued.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris called the deployment of National Guard troops a dangerous escalation meant to incite chaos.

Critics argue that Trump deliberately provoked tensions by deploying the California National Guard, a military reserve typically controlled by the state governor.

Protesters told AFP the troops appeared to be there not to maintain order, but to intimidate.

In the wake of the riots, USA Today reported, Los Angeles Police on Monday urged businesses and residents to report any vandalism, damage or looting for documentation. (AFP)