Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet, has paused operations in downtown Los Angeles after several of its self-driving cars were targeted and set on fire during violent protests sparked by federal immigration enforcement activity.
In a statement issued Monday, Waymo confirmed it removed its autonomous vehicles from the downtown area “out of an abundance of caution” following the escalation of riots in response to ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
The company said it will continue operations in other parts of Los Angeles but is suspending service in the city center for the time being.
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“Waymo vehicles in the vicinity of the disturbances have been removed from service, and we are in contact with law enforcement,” a company spokesperson told FOX Business.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported on Sunday night that multiple autonomous vehicles had been set ablaze in downtown L.A.
The arsons occurred around 9:15 p.m. local time as rioters gathered in the streets following a weekend of immigration raids carried out across the city.
Here’s a “news organization” actually saying things could get ugly if you “move law enforcement in and turn what is just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn, into a massive confrontation.”🤦🤡
The media is trash. pic.twitter.com/l3LMEqIR8Q
— Mike Engleman🇺🇲 (@RealHickory) June 10, 2025
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LAPD’s Central Division posted on X that groups of “agitators” had splintered throughout the downtown area and that the department was responding to reports of widespread vandalism and looting.
“Agitators have splintered into and throughout the Downtown Area,” LAPD’s Central Division wrote.
“Residents, businesses and visitors to the Downtown Area should be alert and report any criminal activity. Officers are responding to several different locations to disperse crowds.”
Agitators have splintered into and through out the Downtown Area. Residents, businesses and visitors to the Downtown Area should be alert and report any criminal activity.
Officers are responding to several different locations to disperse crowds.
An “UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY” is…
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 9, 2025
The riots began over the weekend as ICE continued to conduct targeted immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles.
Protesters took to the streets in opposition to deportations and federal immigration policy, demanding the Biden-era sanctuary policies be restored and enforced.
Wow. Incredible video footage of a rioter in LA waving a Mexican flag & wearing a HAMAS arm band in front of a WAYMO that was set on fire to protest ICE.
There are many Islamic jihadists who have teamed up with Mexican illegal aliens in a major US city. pic.twitter.com/P8HL1GS3bg
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) June 9, 2025
NEWS: Multiple self-driving Waymo cars, collectively worth upwards of $600,000, were vandalized by protesters today in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/JtAlHqbTNP
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 9, 2025
🚨 INSANITY: The driverless taxi “Waymo” vehicles in Los Angeles – TOTALLY DECIMATED and burned.
Democrats are trying to get everybody numb to destruction of property.
They think this is no big deal.pic.twitter.com/g3OH18HuIK
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 9, 2025
In response to the growing unrest, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles.
The move was aimed at supporting federal personnel and maintaining order amid increasing violence and property destruction.
Governor Gavin Newsom objected to the deployment and posted a public statement on X calling the action “unlawful.”
He demanded that the National Guard be returned to state control.
“I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command,” Newsom wrote.
“This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed.”
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/SYIy81SZdH
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 8, 2025
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also addressed the aftermath of the riots.
Speaking with CNN’s The Situation Room on Monday, Bass expressed concern over the level of destruction downtown.
“I will tell you that I’m saddened by the extent of the vandalism in the form of graffiti all through the downtown area,” Bass said.
The LAPD continues to monitor the situation and has maintained an increased presence throughout the city.
Business owners are reporting stores are being looted in the area of 6th St and Broadway.
Officers are enroute to the location to investigate.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 9, 2025
BREAKING 🚨 Police Officers just tackled multiple people looting a store in Los Angeles. FINALLY 🔥
This is EXACTLY what I voted for
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) June 10, 2025
Law enforcement officials have advised residents and business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activity as cleanup and investigations continue.
Waymo has not announced a timeline for resuming operations in downtown Los Angeles.
INSURRECTION: America is facing an insurrection incited by Democrat political leaders and organized by Soros/USAID-backed NGOs in an effort to gain control of Congress. LA is ground zero, but expect uprisings in NY, OR, WA, IL, and MN. pic.twitter.com/Twrcb3Ppsl
— @amuse (@amuse) June 8, 2025
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