A recent video from an anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles has gone viral, capturing a tense moment between police officers on horseback and a protester. The protest, held on Friday, June 6, drew hundreds who gathered to speak out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Over the course of three nights, the situation escalated, prompting a heavy police presence in downtown LA.
The widely shared footage shows a protester falling amid a crowd of officers—both on foot and horseback. During the chaos, a police horse appeared to strike the individual, followed by officers using force as they moved to manage the crowd. The incident has sparked public concern and triggered an internal investigation into police tactics, particularly the use of mounted units for crowd control.
Authorities said rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed after officers were allegedly targeted with objects by some demonstrators. However, many protesters and onlookers claimed the police response was excessive, further fueling tensions.
Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, reporting for 9News, described the scene as volatile. “My cameraman and I are okay,” she said, “but the atmosphere was incredibly intense, and several downtown areas were blocked off.” City officials warned that entering restricted zones could lead to arrest, urging people to stay away from public spaces.
In response to the growing unrest, former President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to LA via Truth Social, blaming local and state leadership and promising federal intervention to restore order.
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly opposed the move, calling it a violation of state authority. “Everything was manageable until federal forces got involved,” he posted on X, stressing the importance of state control.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the federal response, calling it an unwarranted escalation that increased anxiety—particularly within immigrant communities. She pointed to recent immigration policy changes as a source of distress for many families.
The incident has prompted calls from civil rights groups for an independent investigation into the LAPD’s crowd control tactics and whether mounted officers should be used in protest settings.
As the spotlight remains on LA, the situation has become part of a broader national conversation about the right to protest, police conduct, immigration enforcement, and the balance of power between federal and local governments. The protester seen in the video has become a symbol of the growing debate over how demonstrations are managed in America.
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