Riot Police Clash with Protesters After ICE Raids Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles witnessed intense scenes on Friday night as riot police in full gear confronted groups of anti-ICE protesters. The unrest unfolded after a wave of federal immigration enforcement operations led to the reported detention of numerous individuals across the city.
According to Reuters live footage, heavily equipped Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers stood shoulder to shoulder, holding batons and what appeared to be tear gas launchers. They faced off with demonstrators who had gathered in opposition to the day’s immigration raids. Authorities had ordered the crowd to disperse as night fell, citing safety concerns.
Protest Escalates: Tear Gas and Flash-Bangs Used
The protest, initially peaceful, escalated rapidly. Protesters were seen throwing chunks of broken concrete at police officers. In response, LAPD fired volleys of tear gas, pepper spray, and flash-bang grenades to push back the crowd.
A spokesperson for LAPD, Officer Drake Madison, confirmed to Reuters that the protest was declared an “unlawful assembly,” which meant individuals who remained could be subject to arrest.
Federal ICE Raids Target Businesses Across the City
Earlier that day, federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out coordinated raids at several locations in Los Angeles. According to the City News Service, these sites included a Home Depot in the Westlake District, an apparel store in the Fashion District, and a clothing warehouse in South Los Angeles.
Unmarked, military-style vehicles were seen moving through the city, transporting uniformed federal agents. Dozens of individuals were reportedly detained during the operation, part of a broader federal immigration crackdown.
President Donald Trump’s administration had previously pledged to intensify efforts to locate and deport undocumented immigrants. These latest raids were in line with that commitment, which has drawn national and international scrutiny. Learn more about current immigration enforcement actions via DHS.gov.
LAPD Distances Itself from Federal Actions
Despite the heavy LAPD presence later in the day, city officials clarified that local police did not participate in the actual immigration raids. Their involvement was strictly limited to responding to the civil unrest that followed.
Protesters had gathered outside a federal courthouse and near a detention facility where some of the arrested individuals were believed to be held. Walls were spray-painted with anti-ICE slogans, and chants demanding an end to deportations echoed through the streets.
Union Leader Detained While Documenting Raid
One of the notable incidents involved David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) of California. According to a statement from SEIU, Huerta was injured and detained while observing one of the enforcement sites. The union claimed he was exercising his First Amendment rights to document law enforcement activity when he was apprehended.
No details were released regarding the nature of his injury or whether any charges were filed. ICE has yet to respond to inquiries about Huerta’s detention or the broader operation.
Mayor Karen Bass Condemns ICE Tactics
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a strong statement criticizing the raids, saying they “sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.”
Bass’s comments reflect the broader sentiment among city officials who have consistently pushed back against federal immigration crackdowns. Los Angeles remains a sanctuary city, committed to protecting immigrant communities and promoting public trust in local law enforcement.
For More Information:
- Report Immigration Enforcement Actions – ICE
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Los Angeles Mayor’s Office – Immigration Resources
- Know Your Rights – ACLU
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