Cost of Anti-ICE Protests in Los Angeles Reaches $32 Million

Recent federal immigration protests in Los Angeles have resulted in an estimated expense of $32 million for the city, covering police response, emergency services, cleanup, and property damage. The figure was disclosed by LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, who detailed that approximately $29.5 million was spent on LAPD operations, including tactical alert costs.

During the protests, LAPD reportedly made around 561 arrests since June 8, with efforts to control the unrest leading to significant resource deployment. An additional $1.4 million has been allocated for cleaning up damaged public property, alongside funds for fire, street, and public works services.

Downtown LA has become the focal point of these anti-ICE demonstrations, which are part of larger protests in response to perceived federal crackdown on illegal immigration. Following the institution of a city curfew, over 200 people were arrested on June 10 alone, marking a significant escalation reminiscent of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and previous riots.

National Guard and Marine forces have been deployed to assist in managing the unrest, with the Pentagon estimating the total cost to be up to $134 million. This deployment includes 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, similar to the response during the 2020 George Floyd protests and the 1992 Rodney King riots.