During a weekend of protests in Los Angeles against ICE immigration raids, demonstrators targeted Waymo robotaxis, vandalizing multiple vehicles and setting three on fire. The unrest escalated as protesters expressed their anger through acts of violence, including damaging Lime e-scooters by tossing them into the burning remains of the Waymo cars. Concerns arose about the dangers of burning lithium-ion batteries and the implications of police collecting footage from robotaxis for investigations. Protests against immigration enforcement have gained momentum, prompting a federal response with the deployment of California National Guard troops.
"In the past, police have tapped robotaxi companies for footage to help solve crimes - in April, 404 Media reported that the LAPD published video footage obtained from a Waymo driverless car as part of an investigation into a separate hit-and-run incident."
"Setting fire to lithium-ion batteries releases toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride, posing a risk to bystanders, according to the LAPD."
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