On June 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. issued a safety advisory urging Chinese nationals residing in Los Angeles to “avoid crowds” and stay indoors, citing the intensifying anti-immigration protests and aggressive law-enforcement crackdowns there. The unrest is a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which have sparked daily protests across California.
What Prompted the Alert
The advisory comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal forces began sweeping raids in majority-Latino communities—a move that has accelerated protests in downtown LA, Compton, and Paramount. Protesters have been met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and National Guard deployment.
China’s Warning
Official sources advised Chinese residents to remain vigilant, particularly around public demonstrations. The statement emphasized staying indoors during protests and being ready to evacuate if locations suddenly escalate to violent confrontations or law-enforcement action.
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U.S. Response and Political Fallout
President Trump ordered approximately 2,000 California National Guard troops to the region without consulting Governor Gavin Newsom—marking the first federal intervention of its kind since 1965. California leaders, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, strongly oppose the move, accusing the administration of overreach and raising fears of militarizing protest zones.
Scene on the Ground
Tensions have turned violent. Protesters have set vehicles ablaze while authorities responded with tear gas and smoke grenades—leading to hundreds of arrests. Peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into chaotic confrontations in several neighborhoods.
One Australian reporter was even struck by a rubber bullet during a live broadcast near a federal building.
Why It Matters
This advisory is a rare instance of a foreign government warning its citizens about domestic unrest in the U.S. It spotlights Beijing’s growing unease over the safety of overseas nationals and underscores how U.S. immigration policy reverberates globally. With protests showing no signs of slowing and federal intervention intensifying, international travelers and foreign business communities may face increasing uncertainty in U.S. urban centers.
