How burning Waymos became the image of the LA protests

Flames engulf an autonomous Waymo vehicle during an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025. (Photo by BENJAMIN HANSON/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) | Photo: Benjamin Hanson / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Is there a more potent image from the current anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles than a row of driverless Waymo vehicles covered in anti-ICE slogans and engulfed in flames?
At least five Waymos were destroyed during the protests over the weekend, CNN reports. And the company tells us that it has suspended its service in certain parts of the city under direction from the Los Angeles Police Department.
As we’ve seen before, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have a way of turning into collateral damage during times of civil unrest. They are often sitting ducks, lacking an innate ability to avoid the scene or flee when surrounded by a group of people. Unlike Immigration and Customs Enforcement, they won’t run over protesters who stand in their way – their programming forbids it. And their presence likely adds fuel to a volatile situation, where protests against ICE and billionaire oligarchs are in coexistence. Waymo insists the protests aren’t related to its service, but it seems clear the robotaxis represent a change that a lot of people are unhappy about.
While the protesters aren’t rallying in opposition to the Alphabet-owned company, others watching from afar can’t …
Read the full story at The Verge.

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How burning Waymos became the image of the LA protests