Rallies against immigration raids have entered their third day, with security forces using tear gas and rubber bullets.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has criticized the violent protests that have persisted for three days in Los Angeles, California. These demonstrations, triggered by widespread immigration raids across the city, have occasionally turned into violent confrontations.
The unrest, which began on Friday and worsened on Saturday in Paramount and Compton, was sparked by immigration raids resulting in over 100 arrests. Demonstrators attempted to obstruct Border Patrol vehicles, with some throwing rocks and other objects at officers. Federal agents responded with tear gas, pepper balls, and flash-bang grenades.
Musk posted a photo on X showing a masked individual on top of a vandalized Waymo car, waving a Mexican flag and surrounded by burned vehicles.
“This is not OK,” the billionaire stated.
Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving car service, has halted operations in downtown Los Angeles “until it is deemed safe,” after several vehicles were set ablaze during the protests.
Musk’s post is his first public show of support for the U.S. government after a disagreement with President Donald Trump. Last week, their conflict over Trump’s proposed tax and spending bill led to a series of exchanges on social media.
On Sunday, the President ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to deploy, promising to “liberate” Los Angeles from what he termed a criminal migrant “invasion.” Trump has directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to collaborate with federal agencies to contain the unrest.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly opposed the federal response, denouncing the “takeover” of the state’s National Guard as unconstitutional and politically motivated. Newsom has demanded that President Trump reverse the order and return control of the troops to the state.
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