Autonomous taxi company Waymo has suspended operations in parts of downtown Los Angeles after five of its vehicles were set on fire during violent anti-ICE riots over the weekend. The company, owned by Alphabet Inc., confirmed it pulled vehicles from the area “out of an abundance of caution” after the attacks.
Rioters were captured on video vandalizing Waymo’s self-driving cars. One individual was seen climbing onto a vehicle and smashing it with a skateboard. Another vehicle was filmed engulfed in flames as protesters posed for pictures in front of it. Authorities noted that the lithium-ion batteries in these cars emit toxic gases when burned, prompting a hazardous materials alert from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The unrest erupted following federal immigration enforcement actions. Demonstrators flooded downtown streets, attacking vehicles and clashing with law enforcement. Over 50 individuals were arrested. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported that officers were assaulted with concrete blocks, explosive devices, and unknown chemical agents. He described the scene as overwhelming due to both the size and aggression of the crowd.
In response to the escalating violence, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the area. Approximately 300 soldiers had arrived by Sunday evening, with 700 additional Marines on standby. The decision drew sharp criticism from California Democrats, with Governor Gavin Newsom declaring the move unconstitutional and announcing a lawsuit against the Trump administration.
Mayor Karen Bass echoed those objections, claiming the deployment would only inflame tensions. President Trump defended the action, accusing local leadership of allowing chaos to reign and stating that federal intervention was necessary to restore law and order.
Waymo stated there is no evidence that its vehicles were specifically targeted but emphasized the need to safeguard its assets and personnel. The company has not provided a timeline for resuming service in the affected areas.
