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Waymo Autonomous Vehicles Set Ablaze Amid LA Protests Against Trump's Immigration Policies

6/9/2025
In a dramatic turn of events, several Waymo autonomous vehicles were set on fire during protests in downtown Los Angeles against President Trump's immigration policies. The incidents unfold amidst heightened tensions and police clashes.
Waymo Autonomous Vehicles Set Ablaze Amid LA Protests Against Trump's Immigration Policies
Waymo robotaxis were torched in LA protests against Trump's immigration crackdown, raising concerns over safety and tensions in the city.

Waymo Autonomous Vehicles Set Ablaze Amid Protests in Downtown Los Angeles

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).

Waymo's Response to the Situation

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.

Background of the Protests

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.

National Guard Deployment and Escalation of Tensions

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.

Destruction of Waymo Vehicles

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.

Conclusion

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.

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