2,000 LA anti-ICE rioters takeover 101 Freeway downtown as self-driving cars lit on fire in chaotic scene

At least 2,000 anti-ICE protesters took over a major highway in downtown Los Angeles while rioters lit self-driving cars on fire Sunday as the LAPD chief admitted that his officers “are overwhelmed” by the violence and vandalism on the third day of demonstrations in the city.

The massive crowd moved onto the 101 Freeway, blocking traffic around 4 p.m. local time, according to the LAPD.

The protesters blocked both lanes of the freeway, bringing traffic to a standstill as authorities in riot gear created a line beneath a bridge to prevent them from moving forward, the LAPD Central Division wrote on X.

California Highway Patrol officers in riot gear responded and corralled the crowd onto an exit ramp, forcing the protesters off the freeway. Gas canisters were seen being dispersed by officers, according to NBC Los Angeles.

In the chaos, two motorcyclists attempted to barge through the skirmish line, according to the LAPD Central Division. Two officers were struck and injured and both motorcyclists were arrested.

The freeway was reopened to car traffic a little more than an hour later. But it was shut to traffic yet again around 7:30 p.m. after rioters began hurling objects onto the southbound lanes and damaging multiple police cars, the LAPD said.

Elsewhere, rioters vandalized unoccupied, driverless Waymo taxis — graffitiing them, breaking their windows and setting at least five on fire, NBC Los Angeles reported.

A shirtless vandal stood atop a spray-painted Waymo, waving a Mexican flag as flames and smoke rose nearby, according to photos from the scene.

The burning electric cars released toxic gases from their lithium-ion batteries, the LAPD said, warning those in the area and shutting down blocks around the torched vehicles.

Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company, halted its rideshare service in down following the vandalism. The cost of one driveless car is estimated to be at least $150,000.

The protests continued well into Sunday night as the crowd only spread. Many participants showed up wearing different international symbols, including Mexican and Palestinian flags, and held signs condemning ICE, as chants like “Quit your job!” rang through the streets.

One group allegedly hurled fireworks at officers, while another looted businesses near 6th and Broadway, according to police.

“We are overwhelmed,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said, according to NBC Los Angeles. “Tonight, we had individuals out there shooting commercial-grade fireworks at our officers. That can kill you.”

Some protesters started lobbing glass bottles and even pieces of concrete broken off of bollard posts at officers trying to control the crowd, while others tried to dissuade participants from further agitating the police.

At least 27 people were arrested Sunday, according to an 8 p.m. update from the LAPD, which designated all of downtown an “unlawful assembly area” after the growing violence.

LA Mayor Karen Bass called for peaceful protests on Sunday evening while refuting Trump’s claims that the ICE raids only targeted immigrants with a criminal history.

“What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is chaos that is provoked by the administration. When you raid Home Depot and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you run armored caravans through our streets, you cause fear and you cause panic,” Bass said.

On Saturday, President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to respond to the growing protests, which centered around federal buildings in downtown LA where ICE officials were detaining immigrants to be deported. As of Sunday, only 300 had arrived.

“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. “Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve.”

“I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in coordination with all other relevant Departments and Agencies, to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion, and put an end to these Migrant riots,” he continued.

“Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”