Waymo has suspended its autonomous taxi services in downtown Los Angeles following incidents where multiple vehicles were ignited on Sunday. Peaceful demonstrations in L.A. commenced on Friday, ignited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids aimed at undocumented immigrants. By Sunday evening, certain protests escalated into violence as President Donald Trump dispatched National Guard forces and hinted at military action. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned Trump’s measures as “deliberately provocative” and a “disorderly escalation.” The LAPD indicated that “agitators” had infiltrated downtown L.A. It remains uncertain whether those responsible for burning the Waymo vehicles were connected to the protests or merely opportunistic troublemakers. The vehicles were defaced with anti-ICE messages prior to being set on fire.

Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, the parent organization of Google, is collaborating with law enforcement. The LAPD recommended that individuals steer clear of the vicinity due to hazardous fumes from burning lithium-ion batteries. Waymo has retrieved the damaged cars, as reported by the New York Times. During the weekend, Trump criticized California’s leaders on Truth Social and advocated for military involvement. Governor Newsom accused the federal government of orchestrating a “spectacle” by taking control of state National Guard troops. Authorities deployed tear gas and non-lethal ammunition to break up demonstrators, as noted by the Washington Post.

Prior to the ICE raids, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reassured residents via Instagram that the department was not participating in federal activities, recognizing the unease brought on by such operations. Numerous arrests occurred during the demonstrations, with accusations including attempted murder, looting, and arson. “This violence is appalling,” McDonnell commented to NBC Los Angeles. “It’s escalated now.”

This is not the first instance of Waymo vehicles being assaulted. In February 2024, a 14-year-old reportedly damaged a Waymo car in San Francisco, leading to its destruction by fire. On Sunday night, Mayor Bass urged demonstrators to keep the peace, declaring, “Angelenos — refrain from violence and disorder. Do not provide the administration with what they seek.”