A row of Waymo automobiles burn on a road throughout an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025.
Benjamin Hanson | Afp | Getty Photos
A number of Waymo autonomous automobiles have been set ablaze in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday amid widespread protests towards President Donald Trump‘s immigration crackdown.
A spokesperson for the Alphabet-owned firm confirmed there have been a number of Waymo automobiles “within the neighborhood” of protests that have been unable to be retrieved, NBC Information reported. Waymo is suspending service within the protest space “till it’s deemed secure,” the spokesperson added.
The protests erupted in downtown L.A. on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out raids within the metropolis and surrounding communities. Demonstrations have been largely peaceable, however tensions flared Saturday and Sunday, with police clashing with protesters close to the Metropolitan Detention Middle in downtown LA.
A Waymo automotive burns on the street as smoke billows throughout protests in Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025.
David Pashaee | Afp | Getty Photos
California National Guard members arrived within the metropolis on Sunday after Trump signed an order to deploy 2,000 troops in response to the protests.
In a single picture, at the very least 5 Waymo robotaxis might be seen engulfed in flames, with anti-ICE graffiti scrawled throughout the vehicles’ hoods and doorways. It is unclear whether or not the automobiles have been intentionally focused.
Some individuals have been seen tossing Lime e-scooters into the burning Waymo automobiles, the Los Angeles Times reported.
A shirtless protester stands atop a Waymo car throughout an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025.
Benjamin Hanson | Afp | Getty Photos
“Burning lithium-ion batteries launch poisonous gases, together with hydrogen fluoride, posing dangers to responders and people close by,” the Los Angeles Police Division said in a statement posted on X.
Waymo began offering robotaxi rides throughout 80-plus sq. miles of LA in 2024. The service additionally operates in components of San Francisco, Phoenix and Austin.