In the early days of Donald Trump’s presidency, rumours swirled in Los Angeles that the city could be a prime target for sweeping immigration raids and his plans for mass deportations.
Community groups braced for impact, setting up tip lines to report enforcement action. Journalists like me received word that raids may be imminent – which at the time turned out to be unfounded. Months passed and the uncertainty loomed.
Now suddenly, Los Angeles is firmly in the spotlight. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at multiple locations across the city sparked protests that turned violent. The aftermath has gripped the city for five days.
Trump and Republicans have frequently portrayed California as an example of what they see as poor leadership for its liberal policies.
Along with the disorder on the streets, there has been an escalating war of words between Trump and California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, reigniting the feud between the two men.
Newsom, widely seen as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, has become the focal point of opposition to Trump’s mass deportation plans, calling him “unhinged” in one of several sharp exchanges in recent days.
Newsom has increasingly positioned himself as the man to lead the fight against Trump’s Maga movement at the next election. The Democratic party has not yet unified its support around a clear frontrunner, but the clashes over Los Angeles may prove to be a politically defining moment for Newsom.
Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard – made swiftly and without local leaders’ support – has left many Los Angeles residents bitter and dismayed. For many residents, the handling of the situation has been difficult to watch.
Los Angeles is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States. Nearly half of its residents identify as Latino or Hispanic. The city’s social and economic life is deeply interwoven with the contributions of immigrant communities: a complex mix of naturalised citizens, permanent residents, undocumented migrants and refugees. Studies say most undocumented migrants have lived in Los Angeles for more than 10 years, many working and paying taxes.
California’s stance as a “sanctuary state” reflects that reality. It has passed laws which stop local law enforcement from using its resources to assist federal immigration raids, with the aim of fostering trust between communities and public institutions. In a state with a significant undocumented population, the belief is that a more pragmatic approach creates a safer, more cohesive society.
This has drawn repeated criticism from Trump, who says California is being run by what he calls “the radical left”. He accuses the state’s leaders of protecting illegal immigrants. High-profile federal actions like the raids are politically advantageous, underlining his core election promise of border security.
Trump’s allies say this is what America voted for.
In Los Angeles, that message is received quite differently. The city’s residents broadly have a supportive attitude towards immigrant communities, often seeing them as essential to the economy and to the very character of the city and its vibrancy.
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The events of the past few days have led to public outrage from ordinary LA residents to Hollywood stars, especially among those who see their city as a place of refuge and opportunity.
I experienced the city’s immigrant culture as a journalist in Los Angeles – and also personally, as a new mother bringing up a young baby. At “mommy and me” groups we sang nursery rhymes in English and Spanish. At the public library, storytime was bilingual.
On weekends, the city’s parks are filled with Latino families holding outdoor birthday parties with long tables of homemade food, gatherings my toddler inevitably wandered into. He was always welcomed and left with armfuls of balloons.
My friends in Los Angeles all had Latino nannies who became part of the family; their babies learnt to ask for “agua” before “water”.
In this context, the raids feel especially close to home for many Angelenos. It’s their neighbours, colleagues and friends whose families may be affected. It touches not only migrants but those connected to them.
Los Angeles also has a long history of acts of civic resistance against perceived social injustices. Migrant communities feel a strong claim to the city they have helped shape – and a determination to defend it.
At the same time, there is recognition, even among those who support immigrants, that for many years, vast illegal immigration across the southern border has led to significant challenges for Los Angeles. Border security remains a concern, including from within Latino communities themselves.
But in Los Angeles, the majority of people do not want to see a crackdown on illegal immigration done like this – there is a widespread view that enforcement should not come at the cost of compassion or community cohesion.
The events that have rocked Los Angeles in recent days have further highlighted the deep divisions that run through America over immigration policy.
Emma Vardy is a BBC News correspondent and presenter. She was the BBC’s Los Angeles Correspondent until earlier this year
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