Two Waymo taxis caught fire near the downtown Los Angeles detention center on Sunday, June 8, 2025. This happened after protests against an immigration raid the night before. AP
Protests against federal immigration raids entered their third day in Los Angeles. Hundreds gathered in Paramount and downtown, voicing anger and demanding change. The situation grew tense as law enforcement tried to control the crowds. Officers fired gas canisters to disperse protesters, and the National Guard joined to help manage the unrest.
Waymo Cars Targeted in Protest
During the demonstrations, protesters set fire to several Waymo cars. Waymo is the self-driving car service owned by Alphabet, which runs robotaxi rides without drivers. It is the only company in the U.S. offering this service to paying passengers. Waymo operates over 1,500 vehicles in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin. The company provides more than 250,000 rides every week.
What Is Waymo?
Waymo uses advanced technology to drive cars without human drivers. This makes them unique in the U.S. market. Many people use these robotaxis for daily travel in the cities where Waymo operates. The attacks on Waymo cars surprised many, as the company itself is not involved in immigration enforcement.
Clashes With Police Escalate
The protests sparked strong reactions from police. Officers used gas canisters and other tactics to break up the crowds. Despite efforts to control the demonstrations, clashes continued through Saturday. The National Guard’s involvement shows the government’s concern about keeping order during the protests.
What Sparked the Protests?
The protests came after federal immigration raids across the country. Many people gathered to express their anger and frustration. Demonstrators called for an end to the raids and urged better treatment for immigrants.
Impact and Reactions
The burning of Waymo cars brought attention to the protests nationwide. While Waymo does not have any direct connection to immigration policies, its vehicles became symbols during the unrest. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Looking Ahead
The protests may continue as communities demand change. Officials have promised to maintain safety but also respect the right to protest. The situation remains fluid, and more developments could happen soon.
