Police begin to close streets after a mandatory curfew was put into effect for an area in downtown Los Angeles, Calif., June 10, 2025.
Los Angeles, California – What began as a largely peaceful day of protest across Southern California ended in chaos and injury on Saturday, as clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement intensified in downtown Los Angeles and other cities. The events raised new concerns about the handling of protests, the growing presence of armed individuals, and the risks faced by those exercising their First Amendment rights in increasingly tense public spaces.
In downtown Los Angeles, thousands gathered outside the L.A. Federal Building complex for what had, until late afternoon, been a calm protest. But around 4 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department issued a dispersal order, citing reports that some members of the crowd had begun throwing rocks, bricks, and bottles. Officers moved in on foot and horseback, deploying tear gas and flashbangs to clear the area, which included several blocks near Alameda and Temple streets. Aerial footage from local news helicopters captured the crowd scattering as law enforcement advanced.
Among those caught in the chaos was 33-year-old Martin Santoyo, who had been protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. According to Santoyo, he was struck at close range in the groin by a rubber bullet shortly after arriving on his bicycle near Temple Street. Santoyo required surgery and remains unable to walk.
Across the region, tensions were visible in other cities. In Huntington Beach — a conservative stronghold often referred to as “America’s Trumpiest City” — police arrested 25-year-old Eduardo Pineda during a “No Kings” demonstration against the Trump administration’s policies. Pineda, a convicted felon with outstanding warrants, was reportedly brandishing a Mexican flag and challenging a pedestrian to a fight. Police say he was found to be carrying a loaded handgun concealed in his waistband and was booked on multiple charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Though many protests remained peaceful, the day’s events culminated with two protest-related vehicle crashes in Inglewood and Riverside. Police are still searching for a suspect in a felony hit-and-run in Riverside.
