Date: June 7, 2025

As the pastor of En-Joy Ministries, my heart is heavy. Los Angeles, a city we love, is gripped by chaos. Protests that began Friday, June 6, 2025, have spiraled into violence, with reports of attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a car set ablaze in Compton, and confrontations marked by tear gas and fireworks. The Trump administration and the Department of Justice have responded by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops, a move that underscores the gravity of this unrest. As followers of Christ, we must pray for peace, for our leaders, and for truth to shine through the fog of conflict. These protests must stop, and those who’ve turned to violence must face justice—but above all, we trust God to heal our city.

The Fire in Los Angeles: What’s Happening?

On Friday, ICE launched raids across Los Angeles, detaining at least 44 individuals in areas like Paramount and Compton. These operations, tied to the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target groups like the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, have ignited fierce protests. Demonstrators have blocked streets, clashed with federal agents, and, according to Reuters, engaged in violent acts, including throwing fireworks and attacking ICE officers. The White House, labeling the unrest “riots and looting,” has sent in the National Guard, despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the deployment “inflammatory.”

The speed of these protests is staggering. Within hours, hundreds flooded LA’s streets, overwhelming law enforcement. As a pastor, I’m troubled by the chaos and the harm it’s causing—businesses damaged, communities disrupted, and federal agents endangered. While some may protest out of genuine concern, the violence we’re seeing crosses a line. Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” We need peace, not destruction, and those responsible for violence must be held accountable.

How Did This Happen So Fast?

The protests’ rapid organization raises questions. How did demonstrators mobilize so quickly, seemingly outpacing ICE and LAPD? As we seek truth, let’s examine the underlying causes of this unrest, not to fuel speculation but to understand and pray more effectively.

Activist Networks: Los Angeles is home to groups like the Community Self-Defense Coalition, which X posts claim have tracked ICE movements in real-time. These networks, rooted in the city’s sanctuary movement, have gained experience from past protests, such as the 2020 George Floyd riots. Other groups, such as local Black Lives Matter chapters or Students for Justice in Palestine, may align with these efforts, though no direct evidence confirms their role here. Antifa, known for militant tactics, could also be involved, given past X reports of their anti-ICE actions. These groups operate without a single leader, using shared goals to rally supporters swiftly.

Digital Tools: Technology is a game-changer. Platforms like X and encrypted apps like Signal allow activists to share raid locations instantly. An X post from @PplsCityCouncil gave live updates on LAPD and DHS movements, showing how protesters stay ahead. Videos, like one shared by @JohnMcCloy of police advancing on crowds, spread fast, drawing more people to the streets. This digital speed turns small groups into large crowds, overwhelming law enforcement’s resources.

Tactical Advantage: Protesters use numbers—hundreds can flood a street—and local knowledge to outmaneuver federal agents. Tactics like road blockades and fireworks, seen in KTLA reports, create chaos, stretching ICE and LAPD thin. As a pastor, I see this not as a victory but a tragedy, dividing our community when we need unity.

The Soros Myth: Seeking Truth

Some on X, like @DataRepublican, claim billionaire George Soros is funding these protests, pointing to his Open Society Foundations (OSF). As a shepherd of God’s flock, I urge caution. While OSF supports immigration advocacy, no evidence ties Soros to these violent protests or attacks on ICE agents. Fact-checks, like Reuters’ 2020 debunking of Soros-BLM claims, show no financial trail to riots. Let’s not chase shadows—local activism and digital momentum are the real drivers. Proverbs 18:17 reminds us, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” We must seek truth, not rumors.

A Call for Justice and Peace

As a pastor, I stand firm: these protests must end. Violence—whether burning cars or attacking federal agents—has no place in our city. Those who’ve broken the law must face justice, as Romans 13:4 teaches that authorities “do not bear the sword in vain.” But justice must be tempered with prayer. We pray for:

• The Situation: That peace returns to Los Angeles, and communities heal from this unrest.
• Our Leaders, including President Trump, Governor Newsom, and local officials, to act with wisdom and restraint, guided by God’s truth.
• Truth to Be Revealed: That facts about these protests—who’s organizing, why, and how—come to light, so we can address root causes.

Prayers for Los Angeles

Let us lift our voices to God, trusting Him to restore our city. Here are two prayers to guide us:

Prayer for Our Leaders and City
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for Los Angeles. Your Word in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us to pray for those in authority, so we lift up President Trump, Governor Newsom, and all leaders. Grant them wisdom to restore peace and pursue justice. Calm the streets, Lord, and protect all involved—residents, law enforcement, and protesters. Reveal truth amid confusion, and let Your love heal our divided city. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for Truth and Repentance
Lord, You are the God of truth. As Psalm 51:6 says, You desire truth in the inward being. Shine Your light on Los Angeles, exposing the motives and actions behind this unrest. Convict those who’ve chosen violence to repent and seek Your mercy. Guide our community to seek peace, trusting Your justice. May we, as Your people, reflect Your love and lead others to You. In Christ’s precious name, Amen.

What Can We Do as Believers?

As En-Joy Ministries, we’re called to cultivate joy and grow faith, even in troubled times. Here’s how we can respond:

• Pray Without Ceasing: Commit to praying daily for LA, using the prayers above or your own. Join us at En-Joy Ministries for a special prayer service this week—details on our website (#).
• Seek Credible Information: Follow trusted sources like KTLA, LAist, or LAPD’s X account @LAPDHQ for updates. Don’t spread unverified claims from X, like those about Soros, without evidence.
• Promote Peace: Reach out to neighbors and community leaders to foster dialogue. As Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Let’s be a light in LA’s darkness.
• Support Justice: Advocate for fair accountability for violent protesters while showing compassion to those caught in the unrest. Justice and mercy go hand in hand.

A Pastor’s Hope

Los Angeles is hurting, but God is greater than our chaos. As I lead En-Joy Ministries, I’m reminded of Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The protests must stop, and justice must prevail, but our ultimate hope is in Christ. Let’s pray, seek truth, and work for peace, trusting God to heal our city. Share your prayers and thoughts below and join us in standing for a peaceful Los Angeles.

In His service,
Barron Greenwalt
Pastor, En-Joy Ministries