The anti-ICE riots that erupted in Los Angeles last week didn’t just block traffic or disrupt a few government buildings—they inflicted a massive financial toll on the city. What began as protests quickly morphed into violent riots that turned downtown LA into a war zone, and now the bill for the damage and emergency response is stacking up: nearly $20 million and rising.

Millions in Overtime, Damage, and Emergency Response

According to Los Angeles City Manager Matt Szabo, the riots have so far cost the city an estimated $19.7 million. The largest portion of that—about $17 million—was spent by the Los Angeles Police Department, including $11 million in officer overtime and $240,000 in damage to patrol cars. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s involvement added another $1.2 million.

City buildings sustained $593,000 in damage, and cleaning up the aftermath has already cost over $523,000, including more than $85,000 in graffiti removal—figures expected to climb in the coming days.

Szabo admitted the obvious during an interview with ABC7: “This level of extraordinary deployment is very expensive, and it’s costing the taxpayers… not sustainable.”

Democrat Denial and Federal Reinforcement

Despite widespread destruction and violence, city leaders like Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom have largely downplayed the seriousness of the unrest, offering soft rhetoric while opposing stronger federal action. In fact, President Donald Trump had to federalize the California National Guard and deploy 700 Marines to regain control of the situation—over the objections of both Newsom and Bass.

That intervention comes with a hefty price tag as well: an estimated $134 million for a 60-day deployment, shouldered by the federal government.

Trump’s response underscores the seriousness of the situation and the administration’s refusal to allow a repeat of the unchecked riots seen during the 2020 “Summer of Love.” With California officials unwilling or unable to maintain order, federal forces stepped in to protect lives, property, and law enforcement.

Media Misdirection and Public Misconceptions

Much of the mainstream media has attempted to label the chaos as “mostly peaceful,” portraying the rioters as sympathetic immigrants or concerned citizens. But the statistics—and the destruction—tell a different story. At least 10 sheriff’s deputies were injured in the melee, and LAPD cruisers were smashed. Protesters wielded weapons, blocked roads, and attempted to storm a federal building.

Some outlets even went so far as to downplay the extent of the violence, prompting backlash from independent reporters and law enforcement officials alike. Far from peaceful, the protests devolved into dangerous mob action.

A City in Decline—and a Nation Watching

Los Angeles is now paying the price not just in dollars but in credibility. City officials permitted the unrest to spiral out of control. Their unwillingness to confront lawlessness allowed opportunistic agitators to hijack the protests and leave a trail of destruction.

And it’s not just LA. Similar violent protests have broken out in cities like Portland and New York, where Democratic leaders have either interfered with ICE operations or openly sided with rioters. Some, like Nashville’s mayor, even exposed the names of ICE agents, raising serious safety concerns.

Trump has made it clear: he won’t tolerate political violence masquerading as protest. Whether or not LA officials care about law and order, the federal government is stepping in to restore it.

And for taxpayers stuck footing the bill for the damage? That’s the real “cost” of progressive leadership.