Stunning Photos Capture Waymo Vehicles in Flames Amid LA Protests as Company Scales Back Services

In downtown Los Angeles, tensions boiled over during recent protests against President Trump’s immigration policies. Amid the uproar, several Waymo self-driving cars were set on fire. This act occurred amidst larger demonstrations that began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in nearby communities.

A spokesperson for Waymo, owned by Alphabet, stated that multiple vehicles were caught in the protests and could not be retrieved safely. As a precaution, the company has paused operations in the impacted areas. The Los Angeles Police Department is working alongside Waymo to ensure safety.

The protests began peacefully but escalated over the weekend, leading to conflicts between police and demonstrators near the Metropolitan Detention Center. Videos on social media show chaotic scenes, including protesters throwing e-scooters into the burning vehicles. Photos captured five Waymo cars ablaze, adorned with anti-ICE graffiti, highlighting the connection between the car company and the protest.

The situation prompted the California National Guard’s deployment following Trump’s order to send in 2,000 troops.

Experts warn about the dangers posed by burning lithium-ion batteries, which emit toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride. This raises safety concerns for first responders and nearby residents.

Waymo launched its robotaxi service in Los Angeles in 2024, covering over 80 square miles. It also operates in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin.

This incident reflects a growing trend of protests linked to broader social movements, as people use various platforms, like social media, to voice their opinions. User reactions online show a mix of support and criticism for the actions taken during the protests, sparking discussions about the limits of civil disobedience.

In recent years, civil rights protests have surged in response to various social and political issues. This story continues to unfold, and many are closely watching how it will reshape conversations around immigration and technology in urban spaces.

For more on the implications of self-driving cars in protest scenarios, you can check out this Los Angeles Times report.

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