On Sunday, several Waymo autonomous vehicles were engulfed in flames in downtown Los Angeles, coinciding with widespread protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies. This incident underscores the heightened tensions in the area, as demonstrators voiced their opposition to recent actions taken by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A spokesperson for Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., confirmed that multiple self-driving vehicles were present near the protests and could not be safely retrieved. Consequently, Waymo has decided to suspend its services in the affected protest areas until conditions are deemed safe for operation. The spokesperson emphasized that the company is closely monitoring the situation with guidance from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The protests in downtown Los Angeles began on Friday following ICE raids in the city and nearby communities. While the demonstrations started off largely peaceful, tensions escalated over the weekend, leading to confrontations between police and protesters near the Metropolitan Detention Center.
In response to the unrest, California National Guard members were deployed to the city on Sunday after President Trump signed an order to send 2,000 troops to assist local law enforcement. This deployment aimed to restore order amidst the growing turmoil, as demonstrators continued to rally against the administration's immigration crackdown.
Amid the chaos, images emerged showing at least five Waymo robotaxis ablaze, with anti-ICE graffiti painted across the vehicles' hoods and doors. It remains unclear whether the vehicles were intentionally targeted or if they were collateral damage in the protests. Reports from the Los Angeles Times indicated that some individuals were seen throwing Lime e-scooters into the burning vehicles, further escalating the situation.
The incident involving the destruction of Waymo's autonomous vehicles highlights the intersection of technology and social issues, particularly in the context of ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy. As the situation develops, both Waymo and local authorities are focused on ensuring safety and restoring order in downtown Los Angeles.
