Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle unit, Waymo, has suspended its driverless taxi operations in certain areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco after multiple vehicles were vandalized during protests sparked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
At least five Waymo Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis were damaged amid the demonstrations, with one vehicle reportedly set on fire. The protests, which erupted in response to federal immigration enforcement efforts, led to clashes in major city centers, where several Waymo vehicles became entangled in the unrest.
According to a report by KRON4, Waymo halted its services in affected zones “out of an abundance of caution.” A spokesperson for the company also told The Washington Post that there was “no reason to believe” the vehicles were specifically targeted. Some of the robotaxis were completing drop-offs near protest locations when they were damaged.
Local authorities responded to the incidents, with the Los Angeles Police Department urging the public to avoid certain downtown areas due to toxic fumes released from burning lithium-ion batteries.
Each Waymo vehicle involved is estimated to be worth between $150,000 and $200,000, according to a 2024 report from The Wall Street Journal. This is not the first time Waymo’s fleet has encountered vandalism; in February, a similar incident occurred in San Francisco when another Jaguar I-Pace was set ablaze by a crowd.
While operations have been paused in limited areas, Waymo has not indicated whether further adjustments to its services are expected in other regions.