Kevin O’Leary says violence spilling over from the L.A. protests against Trump‘s ICE raids needs to stop — not because of the politics, but because the destruction is crushing small businesses … which he calls the real un-American crime.

TMZ caught up with the “Shark Tank” star Wednesday … and he didn’t hold back — saying smashed windows and car fires aren’t legitimate protest — but they are killing businesses. With thousands of small shops nearby, he says it’s hard-working families who end up paying the price.

As you know, L.A. has seen nearly a week of protests — some violent — after Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers have rounded up undocumented immigrants in the region … prompting President Trump to activate 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to help keep the peace in the city.

Kevin’s all for free speech — affirming it’s one of the best parts of the country and the Constitution — but he draws the line at torching someone’s livelihood.