With recent protests erupting in downtown Los Angeles in response to federal immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops, some Santa Clarita Valley residents are left wondering if the protests could spill northward. 

While no official protests for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been reported locally as of Monday, both county and local officials are urging calm and reinforcing support for peaceful expression amid growing tensions across the region.

Multiple Waymo taxis burn near the Metropolitan Detention Center of downtown Los Angeles, Sunday, June 8, 2025, following last night’s immigration raid protest. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The protests in Los Angeles began Friday and escalated sharply over the weekend, reaching a dramatic peak as demonstrators blocked major freeways, clashed with law enforcement, and reportedly set multiple self-driving vehicles on fire. 

Law enforcement deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang devices in attempts to disperse the crowd, which had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center and later shut down sections of the southbound 101 Freeway.

The weeklong tally of immigrant arrests in the L.A. area climbed above 100, federal authorities told the Associated Press. 

Many raids took place in the L.A. Fashion District, Home Depot parking lots, and other public locations. Protesters denounced the raids as inhumane and the deployment of federal troops as an overreach of executive power.

While much of the violence occurred miles away from the Santa Clarita Valley, local leaders responded swiftly to assure residents and call for peaceful conduct.

“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger in a statement Sunday. “However, engaging in vandalism, obstructing law enforcement, or committing acts of violence undermines the very principles of democracy and freedom that we all value.”

Barger emphasized that she would be monitoring developments closely and condemned any attempts to harm law enforcement officers.

“We must uphold both our rights and our responsibilities as members of this community,” she added. “Let us come together in a manner that reflects the strength, dignity, and respect for which Los Angeles County stands.”

A message from @LASDHQ and @LACoSheriff. pic.twitter.com/jnNWpF3479

— SCV Sheriff (@SCVSHERIFF) June 9, 2025

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station also weighed in, emphasizing that the department is not involved in any federal immigration enforcement operations and reaffirming its commitment to impartial public safety.

“The LASD does not enforce civil immigration laws, nor do we ask about individuals’ immigration status when responding to calls for service,” the department said in a statement. “Our objective is to maintain peace, uphold public safety, and protect the rights of all residents.”

While clarifying that the Sheriff’s Department will offer aid if federal officers come under attack, the agency stressed that such support is for immediate safety, not for immigration actions.

“We recognize and support the constitutional rights of the public to peacefully assemble,” the statement continued. “However, acts of violence, arson, or vandalism will not be tolerated.”

This weekend’s unrest followed President Trump’s Saturday directive authorizing 2,000 National Guard troops under a legal provision allowing federal intervention amid what he described as “a danger of a rebellion.”

“This is about another agenda,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass at a press conference. “This isn’t about public safety.”

I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command.

We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while… pic.twitter.com/tOtA5dcfxc

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 8, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom echoed the concern in a letter to the White House, calling the federal deployment a “serious breach of state sovereignty.”

Despite opposition from state and city leaders, the White House defended the action.

“It’s a bald-faced lie for Newsom to claim there was no problem in Los Angeles before President Trump got involved,” said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson.

Newsom now says he plans on suing President Trump and the Department of Defense for “illegal takeover of the CalGuard unit.”

By Sunday night, blocks of downtown LA were shut down under unlawful assembly orders.

Meanwhile, local activist group Rise Up SCV announced plans to hold a “No Kings” rally on Saturday, June 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. near McBean Parkway and Valencia Boulevard. In a post on Instagram promoting the event, the group stated: “NO KINGS, NO CLOWNS, AND NO ICE!!!” 

KHTS reached out to members of Santa Clarita City Council, this is the statement Mayor Bill Miranda provided:

“In Santa Clarita, we deeply respect the right to free speech and peaceful protest—these are foundational principles of our democracy. We recognize that demonstrations are a way for individuals to express deeply held beliefs and emotions, and we support the community’s right to do so respectfully and safely,” Miranda said.

“At the same time, it’s important to remember that the men and women of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station are dedicated to protecting everyone in our community. Their role is to maintain public safety, uphold the law and ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful for all involved. They are not the adversary in these situations—they are here to serve,” he continued to say. “If protests occur in Santa Clarita, we urge all participants to express themselves peacefully and lawfully. Our City is committed to fostering dialogue and maintaining a safe, respectful environment for everyone.”

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