Joe Rogan’s Podcast Predicted LA Riots Years in Advance, Stunning Listeners

Violent Riots Grip Los Angeles Amid Immigration Tensions – Comedian’s Prediction Resurfaces

[Image: Protesters clash with police in downtown LA. Caption: Chaos erupted in Los Angeles as anti-ICE demonstrations turned violent, with cars burning and crowds marching against deportations.]

Violent riots erupted in Los Angeles this week, sparked by protests against ICE raids and deportations. The unrest, marked by burning cars and confrontations with police, prompted an emergency curfew and National Guard deployment. Amid the turmoil, a 2023 clip from comedian Sam Tripoli’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience resurfaced, where he eerily predicted “immigration riots” tied to the 2024 election cycle.

Tripoli’s “Prediction” Goes Viral
Tripoli, known for discussing conspiracy theories, claimed in 2023 that “people in intelligence” warned him of planned immigration riots if Donald Trump returned to power. He argued Republican governors would send migrants—including “military-linked” individuals from China—to Democratic states to incite chaos. While critics noted his timing was off (he cited the 2024 election, not 2025), social media users highlighted the overlap with current events.

[Image: Sam Tripoli on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Caption: Tripoli’s 2023 podcast remarks about “immigration riots” gained traction as unrest unfolded in LA.]

Biden’s Border Policies vs. Republican Tactics
The Biden administration’s border policies, which saw over 8 million undocumented entries since 2021, fueled immigration debates during the 2024 election. Texas Governor Greg Abbott escalated tensions by busing thousands of migrants to Democratic-led cities like New York, aiming to pressure federal reforms. Tripoli framed this as a deliberate destabilization strategy, while podcast co-guest Bryan Callen blamed Biden’s “open borders” instead.

Trump Deploys Military; Newsom Pushes Back
As riots intensified, Trump dispatched 700 Marines and the California National Guard, claiming, “If we didn’t send in the National Guard… LA would be burning.” California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move as a “deranged fantasy,” accusing Trump of overreach. The President countered, vowing to use “equal or greater force” against future unrest.

[Image: Marines patrol downtown LA. Caption: Trump defended deploying troops, stating they prevented further destruction.]

Curfew Amid Looting and Damage
An emergency 8 PM–6 AM curfew was imposed after looters targeted 23 businesses, leaving graffiti and rubble in downtown LA. Mayor Karen Bass called the damage “significant,” with cleanup expected to take days. Protesters argue deportations unfairly target migrant communities, while officials urge calm.

[Image: Boarded-up storefronts in LA. Caption: Businesses suffered heavy losses as looters ransacked downtown streets.]

Questions of Cause and Timing
While Tripoli’s prediction drew attention, skeptics question its validity. His theory of coordinated migrant movements lacks evidence, and the riots align more with longstanding tensions over immigration policy than a clandestine plot. Nevertheless, the clip’s resurgence highlights how polarized narratives amplify crises.

As LA grapples with unrest, the clash over immigration, federal power, and free speech continues to divide the nation.

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