Burning Bots in Downtown LA: Waymo Autonomous Vehicles Targeted as ICE Protests Turn Violent in 2025
Waymo’s self-driving cars withdrawn from Los Angeles after violent anti-ICE riots saw vehicles torched and city leaders on edge.
- 3+: Waymo autonomous vehicles confirmed set on fire during riots
- Thousands: National Guard troops deployed across Los Angeles
- 10+ major business and residence vandalism reports in 24 hours
- 1 million+ affected by service change after Waymo’s withdrawal
The heart of downtown Los Angeles was set ablaze—literally—on June 8, 2025, as violent protests over federal immigration raids boiled over into chaos. The dramatic scene: Waymo’s state-of-the-art self-driving vehicles, trusted symbols of tech progress, became fiery targets.
Multiple electric Waymo vehicles burned as protestors clashed with law enforcement and thousands of National Guard troops swarmed the city. The anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) riots, timed with a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants, ignited more than just tensions—charred Waymo cars shocked onlookers and rattled business owners.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed on X that rioters set fire to several autonomous vehicles, while city blocks echoed with the sound of breaking glass and the sting of graffiti. As embers cooled, businesses and local residents reported waves of looting and vandalism amid the turmoil.
Why Did Waymo Remove Its Vehicles From Downtown LA?
After the attack, Waymo—a company under tech giant Alphabet—acted fast, pulling every self-driving car from downtown. Company representatives assured the public they were putting safety first and coordinating closely with law enforcement as investigations began.
Their spokesperson emphasized that the decision to suspend downtown service was made “out of an abundance of caution.” However, Waymo confirmed they would continue operations in other parts of Los Angeles, leaving the city center eerily car-free for the first time in months.
What Triggered The Riots?
The cause of the unrest: a spate of high-profile ICE raids ordered under the Trump administration, targeting undocumented immigrants. Passionate crowds gathered, initially in peaceful protest, before a fringe faction ramped up the aggression and destruction, setting their sights on any symbol of authority—autonomous cars and police stations included.
While LA Mayor Karen Bass expressed deep sadness at the widespread destruction and destruction of the city’s image, California Governor Gavin Newsom called out what he described as the “unlawful deployment” of federal troops, pushing back against escalating militarization.
How Did the City Respond?
The response was overwhelming. The LAPD reported splintered groups of agitators moving swiftly through downtown. Officers attempted to clear crowds, protect property, and restore calm, but acknowledged that rioters outmaneuvered them in some areas.
Business owners took to social media, sharing photos of broken storefronts and tagging leaders for immediate intervention. As the night wore on, residents received urgent alerts to avoid the area, with many anxiously tracking updates through local outlets like LA Times and NBC News.
How Can Business Owners Prepare for Civil Unrest?
Business leaders in urban hubs should brace for the unexpected. From digital security upgrades to always-on crisis communications, here are immediate steps:
- Reinforce storefronts and install security cameras
- Backup essential business data in the cloud
- Register for city alerts and monitor local news
- Engage in regular dialogue with local law enforcement
Experts recommend that companies operating cutting-edge tech—especially vehicles or AI—develop playbooks for unrest, including fast response plans and alternative service areas.
What’s Next for Waymo and LA?
Waymo maintains its commitment to the Los Angeles market, but the future is uncertain. Will city leaders restore faith in public safety for tech pioneers and residents alike? Tech insiders speculate that autonomous vehicle companies may increase investment in surveillance and riot-proofing their fleets.
Eyes are next on city hall as officials weigh new laws to protect autonomous transit, with key updates expected from policymakers in the coming weeks.
Stay informed—your city and your business could be next.
- Follow city alerts for updates on service restoration
- Enhance security measures for your home or business
- Check in with local agencies about crisis plans
- Support peaceful protest and engage in civic dialog
For more on ongoing tech developments and urban safety, keep an eye on Google News and CNN.
