hundreds of protesters flooded the streets of downtown Los Angeles in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that resulted in approximately 44 arrests across three locations in the city. The demonstrations, sparked by what some called aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, began around 4 p.m. outside the Federal Building at 300 N. Los Angeles Street and escalated as crowds marched toward the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building’s detention facility. Protesters, waving flags and holding signs condemning ICE, expressed outrage over the raids, which targeted locations including a Home Depot in Westlake, an Ambiance Apparel store in the Fashion District, and a warehouse in South L.A.
Tensions rose as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared an unlawful assembly around 7 p.m., citing violent acts such as protesters throwing large pieces of concrete. Officers in riot gear fired non-lethal foam projectiles and bean bag rounds to disperse the crowd, while some demonstrators reportedly sprayed graffiti on the Metropolitan Detention Center. Federal agents, equipped with tactical gear and flash-bang grenades, faced resistance as protesters attempted to block their vehicles.
