COMPTON, Calif. — Early Sunday morning, Ernest Melendrez, along with his family, took to the streets to clean up after a chaotic night of protests against federal immigration raids. The remnants of what had happened were evident: tear gas canisters and debris littered the roads.
Melendrez, wearing a mask, struggled against the lingering effects of tear gas still hanging in the air. Across the street, local businesses were marred by graffiti denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“I understand the sentiment, but the approach isn’t right,” Melendrez commented, while nearby cars slowed down, some drivers honking in acknowledgment. He emphasized the need for community support to properly address grievances and emotions.
The night of protests led President Trump to authorize the deployment of National Guard troops to downtown Los Angeles, despite California Governor Gavin Newsom’s opposition, labeling it an "overreaction."
Sunday saw further demonstrations with Guard troops in tactical gear standing watch outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where clashes had previously erupted. Tensions rose again as tear gas was deployed when protesters approached the Guard.
Just a block away, a Home Depot served as the center of the previous night’s conflict but was quiet on Sunday. A lone worker scrubbed graffiti from the store’s sign as customers trickled in.
Throughout Compton and Paramount, federal officers used tear gas and nonlethal weapons on Saturday, while some protesters resorted to setting small fires, staining the streets with charred remnants. The local community was left reeling with the visible damage, with slogans like “What is America without Immigrants” spray-painted across local businesses.
Launie Melendrez, Ernest’s wife, shared her concern for families affected by immigration actions but criticized the destruction caused by the protest. “This harms people’s livelihoods and doesn’t help the cause,” she expressed, looking around at the damage done to local businesses that supported families.
Many neighbors voiced frustrations about being left to clean up the aftermath. Melendrez’s daughter, Elaina, noted her disappointment seeing the nearby Home Depot reopening while their streets remained littered. “It feels like no one cares about Compton. We’re out here cleaning up after them,” she lamented, coughing from the fumes while adjusting her mask.
As the community confronted the visible consequences of the protests, it became clear that many felt abandoned by both political leaders and law enforcement, highlighting the ongoing struggle for support and a voice in these contentious times.
