From blazing Waymos and National Guard troops, to an anti-ICE Labubu, L.A. TACO was there to capture it all.
The anti-ICE Labubu. Photo by Kemal Cilengir.
A group of reporters from L.A. TACO was in Downtown L.A. on Sunday, June 8, 2025, witnessing our L.A. neighbors defend their civil rights amid dangers such as police projectiles and burning autonomous cars.
Photographer and TACO contributor Kemal Cilengir was there taking photos, which gives you the perspective of what it was like. Take a look at Kemal's photos from this past Sunday in Downtown L.A.
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“Since we don't have access to the [40mm launcher], the FN303 is an alternative option,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said. “[And] we're looking at other options that are available as well on the field.”
The co-owner of empanadería Fuegos LA designed Benito's casita, the couple who got married are residents of the San Gabriel Valley, and more.
ICE is still hitting the Inland Empire hard with about 18 people confirmed taken in the first 8 days of February in that area, and we’re also seeing an escalation in San Diego.
Although the court had found that federal agents can do their jobs without wearing masks, the law, as is, does not apply equally to law enforcement officers across the state, the judge cited as cause for her ruling.
Jack Duffy attaches a respirator to his bagpipes to play through tear gas. “I always play it whenever the police retreat because it's like, ‘You fucking ran while we stayed,’” he says.
The resolution by Leandra Blades, a retired L.A. county law enforcement officer, advocates for the district to cooperate with and affirm "its support for local law enforcement officers and federal immigration officers."
