A viral moment emerged from ongoing Los Angeles protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations when an unidentified demonstrator told CBS LA that tear gas he encountered “tasted like fascism.”
Why It Matters
Federal immigration enforcement operations sparked protests across California for a second day in a row on Saturday. ICE carried out raids in Paramount, Los Angeles County, following similar actions at several locations throughout other parts of the city on Friday.
The Trump administration has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous ICE raids, some of which have swept up individuals with proper documentation. Earlier this week, protests erupted over claims that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building—allegations ICE has denied. A spokesperson previously told Newsweek that the agency “categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles.”
Some protestors have thrown rocks at law enforcement, with one allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail, as well as burning items in the street. Agents have used tear gas on the crowds.
The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority.
President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard to quell the protests. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move, saying local law enforcement was already mobilized and the presence of the National Guard was “purposefully inflammatory,” would “escalate tensions” and “erode public trust.”
“Tasted a little tear gas— tasted like fascism” pic.twitter.com/o7SLl4ZWnV
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 8, 2025
What To Know
Protests erupted Friday in downtown Los Angeles following workplace raids by federal security agents, spreading Saturday to Paramount and Compton.
“Tasted a little tear gas— tasted like fascism,” the unidentified man said during an interview with CBS LA following the protest. His comment has resonated widely across social media, with supporters viewing it as emblematic of resistance to federal immigration enforcement.
As federal agents staged near a Home Depot in Paramount, demonstrators sought to block Border Patrol vehicles, with some hurling rocks and cement chunks. Federal agents responded with tear gas, flash-bang explosives, and pepper balls. The weeklong tally of immigrant arrests in the city has climbed past 100, including a prominent union leader, David Huerta, accused of impeding law enforcement.
Members of California’s National Guard were seen staging Sunday at the federal complex in downtown Los Angeles, including the Metropolitan Detention Center. The deployment was initially limited to a small downtown area, leaving the rest of the 4-million-person city largely unaffected.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened to deploy active-duty Marines “if violence continues,” while troops from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrived with long guns and armored vehicles.
#USNORTHCOM can confirm that elements of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the California National Guard have begun deploying to the Los Angeles area, with some already on the ground. Additional information will be provided as units are identified and deployed. pic.twitter.com/BxqZM2YG1G
— U.S. Northern Command (@USNorthernCmd) June 8, 2025
What People Are Saying
Democratic commentator Harry Sisson wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Love this! A protester who got hit with tear gas in LA had this to say about it ‘Tasted a little tear gas — tasted like fascism.’ What an amazing response. People are sick and tired of Trump and his dictatorship.”
Author Adrian Carrasquillo reposted the video on X with the message: “Dude is a legend.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a Saturday X post: “A message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down.@ICEgov will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom on X following the National Guard announcement: “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. L.A. authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in an X wrote on Saturday: “This is a difficult time for our city. As we recover from an unprecedented natural disaster, many in our community are feeling fear following recent federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County. Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning. We’ve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday night: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
What Happens Next
The National Guard has arrived in Los Angeles and a third day of protests are expected.
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