In June 2025, Los Angeles became the epicenter of some of the most intense protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in recent history. Following a series of federal immigration sweeps targeting undocumented workers across the city, thousands of residents, activists, labor unions, and community organizations came together to resist what they described as aggressive and unjust enforcement tactics. This article unpacks the timeline of events and how the diverse communities within Los Angeles united to push back against ICE actions.

The Spark: ICE Raids Ignite Protests

Early Raids on June 6, 2025

The turmoil began on the morning of June 6, when ICE agents conducted coordinated raids targeting several businesses in neighborhoods such as the Fashion District and Westlake. These operations focused on workplaces suspected of harboring undocumented immigrants, resulting in 44 arrests that day. The raids included dramatic moments such as federal agents chasing individuals in Home Depot parking lots and detaining workers at apparel warehouses.

Almost immediately, protests began to surge. Crowds gathered at key locations including the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building downtown, demanding an end to the raids. Clashes quickly followed between protesters and ICE agents, with demonstrators attempting to block vehicles transporting detainees and throwing objects in confrontation. Police responded with crowd control tactics including tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades.

Escalation and Solidarity: Growing Protests Across the City

June 7 to 9: Expanding Protests and Political Backlash

On June 7 and the following days, protests spread to areas like Paramount, Compton, and MacArthur Park. Thousands took part in marches, rallies, and sit-ins organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, the Service Employees International Union, and other groups. These demonstrations mixed peaceful resistance with moments of unrest, at times resulting in vandalism of federal property and confrontations with law enforcement.

In response to escalating tensions, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 7, later authorizing additional forces including 700 Marines. This federal intervention was met with fierce criticism from local officials such as Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the deployment unnecessary and inflammatory.

The Community’s Stand: Voices, Actions, and Impact

Diverse Groups Leading the Resistance

One of the defining features of the Los Angeles protests was the unity across diverse sectors of the city — immigrants, labor unions, students, faith groups, and neighborhood organizations all participated in a collective stand. Protesters chanted slogans like “ICE out of LA,” “No más deportaciones,” and “Defend our communities,” while calling for immigration reform and an end to racial profiling.

Rallies at iconic locations like Grand Park and Mariachi Plaza became focal points for speeches, music, and art expressing solidarity. Despite the visible presence of law enforcement and the National Guard, the protests continued for days, representing a sustained and determined grassroots movement.

Clashes and Challenges

While many actions remained peaceful, some protests involved violent confrontations, property damage, and arrests. Police declared several large gatherings “unlawful assemblies” following reports of projectiles like rocks and fireworks being thrown. Over 100 arrests were made in the early days of unrest. Journalists covering the events also faced detentions.

Conclusion: Los Angeles’ Bold Stand Against ICE

The June 2025 protests in Los Angeles illustrated a powerful moment of collective resistance against immigration enforcement perceived as harsh and politically motivated. By uniting across diverse communities and confronting a heavily militarized federal response, Los Angeles set an example of activism fueled by deep concerns for immigrant rights and social justice.

What unfolded in the streets and neighborhoods was more than opposition to ICE raids — it was a declaration that the people of Los Angeles would not stand by quietly as families were torn apart and communities destabilized. This historic moment will be remembered as a city coming together to demand dignity, justice, and change.

Marrying a U.S. citizen has never automatically triggered a green card, but in 2025, the U.S. government has taken unprecedented steps to make the marriage-based residency process much stricter. If you’re considering this path, it’s critical to understand the significant changes and heightened scrutiny now shaping the journey from “I do” to permanent residency.

Increased Scrutiny on Marriage Fraud

The core reason for these changes is the government’s ongoing battle against immigration fraud. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), fake marriages remain one of the most common — and most aggressively prosecuted — forms of immigration fraud. This year, agencies have made clear that only genuine, legally recognized marriages will clear the hurdles for lawful permanent resident (green card) status. Sham marriages, or those arranged for immigration benefits rather than a bona fide relationship, are targeted for detailed investigation and potential deportation.

Step-by-Step: The Marriage-Based Green Card Process in 2025

1. No More “Automatic” Green Cards
   • Marrying a U.S. citizen is only the first step. You must apply for a green card through a legal process that now requires extensive evidence your relationship is real and ongoing.
2. Form and Filing Changes
   • In 2025, USCIS strictly enforces new editions of application forms — for adjustment of status (Form I-485), fiancé visas (Form I-129F), and petitions for relatives (Form I-130). Submitting even a single outdated page can trigger outright rejection, costing precious time and money.
3. Evidence Requirements Have Tightened
   • Officials now demand clear, comprehensive proof of a genuine marital relationship. Examples include:
     • Joint bank accounts and tax returns
     • Shared leases, mortgages, or utility bills
     • Records of travel together
     • Messages, photos, and affidavits from friends/family
   • Simple wedding photos are no longer enough; fraud detection officers receive specialized training to spot faked documents and inconsistencies.

1. Conditional Green Card—Not Permanent Right Away
   • If your marriage is less than 2 years old at the time of approval, you’ll be issued a conditional green card(“CR1”).
   • This allows you to live and work in the U.S. for 2 years, but it is a probationary period. Within the 90 days before the card expires, you and your spouse must jointly petition (Form I-751) to remove the conditions and receive a full, 10-year green card.
   • During this step, you must prove once again that the marriage remains genuine and was not entered into solely for immigration benefits. Failing to file, provide sufficient evidence, missing deadlines, or getting divorced before the end of this period can result in denial, deportation, or a permanent ban on reapplying.
2. More Enforcement, More Risk
   • Immigration officers have increased discretion to deny applications without warning, especially if they detect any red flags: previous suspicious filings, glaring age/cultural differences without supporting evidence, financial inconsistencies, or inconsistent answers during interviews.
   • If your case is flagged as potentially fraudulent, you could be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

What Happens if the Marriage Ends?

• Waivers are available if the marriage ends due to divorce or abuse, but the applicant must convincingly prove the marriage began in good faith, not to circumvent immigration laws.
• If USCIS determines the relationship was fake or evidence is lacking, the applicant could face deportation and a lifetime ban from reapplying.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

U.S. authorities say these reforms are a response to a real increase in attempted marriage fraud and the proliferation of “sham marriage” schemes. Recent years have seen several high-profile criminal cases and coordinated investigations. Protecting the legitimacy and security of the green card system has become a key national priority.

Key Takeaways for 2025 Applicants

• Double-check all form editions and instructions before filing applications — even minor paperwork errors can now cost you your chance.
• Prepare extensive evidence of a real, ongoing relationship. Start gathering financial records, joint leases, messages, travel documents, and third-party affidavits early.
• Take conditional status seriously. Mark your calendar—with the stricter environment, missing even a procedural step could be disastrous.
• Seek legal guidance if your circumstances are complex or you’ve faced any prior visa or immigration denials.

In short: Marrying a U.S. citizen in 2025 does not guarantee a green card. The process involves a two-year conditional period, multiple rounds of documentation, and close scrutiny to combat fraud. Real relationships, thorough preparation, and meticulous paperwork are essential to success in the new system.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has officially announced that she will not run for governor of California in 2026, ending months of speculation over her political future and immediately fueling discussions over a possible third bid for the White House in 2028.

In a statement released Wednesday, Harris explained, “Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation’s history and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear. I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor. I love this state, its people and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.” Harris added that for now her leadership and public service would not take the form of elected office, but she remains committed to helping elect Democrats across the nation and will share more about her future plans in the coming months.

What Led to Her Decision

Harris, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since her defeat to President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, spent several months weighing whether to pursue the governorship, seek a third run for president, or exit electoral politics altogether. Political observers had considered her a frontrunner if she entered the race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. However, Harris showed limited public enthusiasm for the role, rarely attending major political events in the state or engaging with key labor and party leaders over the past year.

Insiders say Harris’s decision reflects her desire to keep her options open for a potential 2028 presidential campaign. “This absolutely keeps the door open for 2028,” one source told NBC News. The timing of her decision—well ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial primary—allows other Democratic contenders to organize their bids for California’s top executive office.

Implications for 2028—and the Democratic Party

Harris’s move immediately shifts the dynamics of the upcoming Democratic presidential primary. As the most recognizable national Democrat not currently holding office, she enters the 2028 conversation with a powerful fundraising network and high profile, but analysts warn that her 2024 loss and the shifting political landscape mean she’s far from a presumptive nominee.

Several prominent Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, are already exploring their own presidential ambitions. With no sitting Democratic president in 2028, the field is likely to be crowded and fiercely competitive.

Some party strategists suggest that Democrats are looking for a “new generation” of leadership to help reset after the loss to Trump, while others believe Harris deserves a chance to run on her own terms, feeling she was put in a “tough spot” as Biden’s late replacement in 2024.

Harris’s Next Steps

While she remains out of elected office, Harris has indicated she plans to amplify her voice in public service, possibly through advocacy, supporting Democratic candidates, writing, or activism. Her statement also reflected admiration for those in public life and called for a willingness to pursue change through “new methods and fresh thinking—committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook”.

With her decision made, the political world now shifts its attention to Harris’s next move—and whether she will launch a campaign to become the first woman president of the United States in 2028. For now, she remains a key figure in Democratic politics, with all options still on the table.