Unlawful Assembly Declared in Whittier for First Time Amid Chaos Outside DoubleTree Hotel

By Rebecca Canales

Founder and CEO, Whittier 360 News Network

Published: June 12, 2025

WHITTIER, CA —On the night of June 11, 2025, a protest outside the DoubleTree Hotel in Uptown Whittier escalated into what is now confirmed to be the first declaration of an unlawful assembly in the city's history. Whittier 360 News Network was on the scene and witnessed key moments of the unfolding events.

Initial Reports and Public Response

Earlier in the day, social media posts circulated claiming that ICE agents were staying at the DoubleTree. These posts ignited concern among local activist groups. By evening, a crowd of between 100 and 200 people had gathered outside the hotel. Whittier 360 remained across the street for safety, observing the protest and engaging with individuals to verify the situation.

Some participants reported seeing unfamiliar individuals dressed in black, wearing masks, and behaving suspiciously. One such individual pulled a companion away when approached, raising concern that outside agitators may have been present.

Escalation and Law Enforcement Response

Shortly after 11:00 p.m., protesters began running from the hotel entrance. Witnesses claimed that federal agents in tactical gear had emerged from the hotel, possibly with weapons drawn. Photos taken by Whittier 360 show agents in full tactical gear outside the hotel, though it is unclear whether they were armed.

Soon afterward, Whittier Police Department (WPD) arrived in force, blocking off nearby streets including Greenleaf and Mar Vista. A helicopter circled overhead, and a public announcement declared the gathering an unlawful assembly under California law. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and officers from Vernon, South Gate, and Bell Gardens also responded. Tear gas was deployed near Greenleaf and Penn, pushing the crowd northward toward Workman Street.

City of Whittier’s Official Statement

In response to our inquiry, Assistant City Manager Shannon DeLong issued the following statement:

> "On the evening of June 11, 2025, a large crowd gathered outside the Double Tree Hotel in Uptown Whittier in response to circulating reports that federal immigration agents were staying at the hotel. While these reports were not accurate..."

The City confirmed:

No federal immigration agents (ICE or DHS) were staying at the hotel.

A white van mistaken for a federal vehicle was vandalized. It was actually a Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department van involved in a routine inmate transport earlier that day.

A small group of protesters entered the hotel, broke lobby windows, and caused damage to vehicles.

At the hotel’s request, regional law enforcement dispersed the crowd around 2:00 a.m. No arrests or injuries were reported.

Update: The DoubleTree Hilton in Whittier has issued an official statement addressing the misinformation that sparked last night's protest. According to the hotel, there is no verifiable evidence that any ICE agents were staying on the property. They emphasized that they are not affiliated with ICE in any shape or form and reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all staff and guests. The hotel has strongly condemned any actions that may put their employees or community members at risk.

(Statement dated June 12, 2025 — shared publicly by Troy Silva)

Correction and Commitment to Accuracy

Our initial reporting included accounts based on eyewitness testimony during a rapidly unfolding situation. As more verified information becomes available, Whittier 360 is committed to issuing updates and corrections in the interest of journalistic integrity.

Developing Story

Whittier 360 News will continue to investigate and report on this developing situation.

If you witnessed anything or have photos or videos from the scene, contact whittiernewsnetwork@gmail.com