06.10.2025 | 9:00 PM | SANTA ANA – A second night of protests in Orange County against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions escalated into violent confrontations near First Street and Bristol Street in Santa Ana, prompting law enforcement to deploy tear gas and less-than-lethal projectiles as some demonstrators retaliated with thrown objects.
The protests, ignited by recent ICE enforcement actions in the area, began peacefully around 5:00 PM near Bristol Street and McFadden, drawing hundreds of individuals expressing their dissent. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically around 9:00 PM when a faction of protesters began assaulting law enforcement officers with glass bottles, rocks, and fireworks.
In response to the escalating violence, officers deployed impact projectiles from shotguns and 40MM launchers to disperse the aggressive elements within the crowd. The large group of protesters moved up and down Bristol Street, eventually engaging in a tense standoff with law enforcement. To push back the crowds and restore order, officers ultimately deployed tear gas.
During the chaotic scenes, at least two individuals were seen being detained by law enforcement. One man reportedly refused multiple instructions to leave the area, leading to his arrest.
While no injuries to law enforcement officers were reported, a traffic collision involving a pedestrian occurred in the vicinity of the protest. The extent of the pedestrian’s injuries remains unknown at this time.
