Learn 22 real-life English words and phrases from the recent LA riots involving border patrol agents and protesters in Paramount, California. In this lesson, we’ll break down key vocabulary like tensions, erupted, pepper spray, and raid—all in simple English that’s perfect for English learners. This is real news, real English.

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1. Tensions
: feelings of worry or stress between people or groups.
: Tensions were high when border patrol agents met angry protesters in Los Angeles.
2. Erupted
: started suddenly and strongly.
: Violence erupted in the streets after agents began arrests in Paramount.
3. Paramount
: more important than anything else.
: The most important goal for the agents was detaining people without a warrant.
4. Clashed
: fought or argued strongly.
: Protesters clashed with federal agents on the street outside the DHS building.
5. Border Patrol Agents
: people who watch the border and control who crosses.
: The border patrol agents wore riot gear and formed a line against protesters.
6. Hurling
: throwing something with great force.
: Some protesters were hurling rocks at agents’ vehicles during the clash.
7. Pepper Spray
: a strong spray used to stop people by making them cough and cry.
: Agents sprayed pepper spray to move the crowd back.
8. Rubber Bullets
: bullets made of rubber, used to control crowds.
: When the demonstration got violent, police fired rubber bullets to disperse people.
9. Staging Area
: a place where people gather to get ready.
: Agents set up a staging area near the Home Depot before the raid.
10. Prepping
: getting ready or preparing.
: They were prepping equipment and shields before they entered the building.
11. Raid
: a sudden police or agent visit to catch or arrest people.
: ICE agents made a raid at a Home Depot and detained 44 people.
12. Getting out of Hand
: becoming uncontrolled or too chaotic.
: The protest started peaceful but it was getting out of hand when fights began.
13. Demonstrations
: public protests to show what you believe.
: Many demonstrations happened across Los Angeles after the immigration raids.
14. Outreach
: trying to help or connect with people in a community.
: Local leaders did outreach to calm families and offer support after the raids.
15. Exclusively
: only, not by anyone else.
: The story was reported exclusively by local journalists in Paramount.
16. Taking On
: fighting against or confronting something.
: The protesters were taking on federal agents near the DHS office.
17. Chunks
: large pieces of something broken.
: Some protesters hurled chunks of concrete at officers during the clash.
18. Agitators
: people who try to make others angry or cause trouble.
: Authorities said agitators joined the protest and made it violent.
19. Firing Right Back
: responding quickly with force or action.
: Police began firing tear gas right back when items were thrown at them.
20. Combing Through
: searching carefully through something.
: Agents were combing through bags and cars looking for undocumented people.
21. Rest Assured
: be sure and not worry.
: Rest assured, city leaders said they are monitoring the situation closely.
22. Monitoring
: watching closely over time.
: Officials are monitoring every protest and will respond if things get worse.