UK Updates Travel Advice: Warns Travellers Amid LA Protests

Charlie USA 10 June 2025 | | 0

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for British nationals visiting Los Angeles amid ongoing protests sparked by US immigration raids.

The warning follows several days of demonstrations across the Californian city, particularly in downtown LA, after it emerged that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had begun conducting large-scale raids. The protests escalated over the weekend, prompting the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to the area to support federal operations.

British travellers are now advised to monitor local news, follow the instructions of local authorities, avoid large gatherings, and plan routes carefully to avoid disruption.

According to reports, law enforcement's response to the demonstrations has included the use of tear gas, flash-bangs, rubber bullets, pepper balls, and other crowd-control measures. Some protests have turned confrontational, particularly near the Federal Building in downtown LA, which protesters targeted after claims that immigration detainees were being held inside.

Clashes between demonstrators and police led authorities to declare an unlawful assembly. CBS News reports that graffiti was sprayed on the building and objects were thrown at officers.

On Saturday, a separate protest involving around 400 people broke out in the city of Paramount, reportedly in response to another ICE operation. The LA County Sheriff's Department also declared an unlawful assembly there in efforts to disperse crowds “without any violence.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly condemned the federal immigration raids, calling them “cruel,” and has vowed to take legal action against the deployment of US Marines to Los Angeles. He has already filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for deploying National Guard troops without state approval.

Los Angeles is home to around four million people. The situation remains fluid, and British nationals are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed while in the area.

Options for Cancelling a Trip to Los Angeles?

At this time, the UK Foreign Office has not advised against travel to the United States. This means there are no automatic rights to cancel your trip and receive a full refund based on the current travel alert.

Whether you can change or cancel your booking depends on the terms set by your airline, hotel, or tour operator, so it’s important to contact them directly to discuss your options.

Keep in mind that unless official government advice changes, travel insurance is unlikely to cover cancellations made due to safety concerns alone.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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About
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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.