Arrests Follow Clashes at ICE Protests in Downtown LA

Police arrested up to five people in downtown Los Angeles on Friday evening after protesters clashed with officers during an 'ICE Out' demonstration. The event, part of a national day of action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, started peacefully near City Hall but turned chaotic near the federal detention center on Alameda Street.

Background

The protests stemmed from growing anger over federal immigration raids that have picked up speed in Los Angeles since last summer. Organizers called for a nationwide shutdown—no school, no work, no shopping—to pressure the government to end what they see as aggressive enforcement. In LA, where raids first ramped up in June under the current administration, thousands showed up outside City Hall and Grand Park by early afternoon.

Crowds marched to the federal detention center later in the day. Tensions rose as some demonstrators faced off with federal agents behind the building. Reports say protesters threw objects and moved a large shipping container, prompting agents to deploy tear gas. Los Angeles police then moved in to push the group back up the street.

This came amid recent high-profile incidents fueling the outrage. Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and Keith Porter in separate events, according to activists. Just before the protest, former CNN journalist Don Lemon was arrested in LA linked to a church demonstration in Minnesota. Many protesters joined specifically over his detention.

Los Angeles has seen immigration arrests fluctuate sharply. From June to October last year, numbers peaked at 2,500 in June, dropped to around 2,000 in July, and fell further before a small uptick in September. Over 10,000 people in the area have been detained in the first nine months of the crackdown, with about 45% facing criminal convictions and 14% pending charges.

Federal tactics have shifted to quick hits—teams of officers grab one to five people in as little as 30 seconds, often without time for bystanders to intervene. This happened in the Fashion District earlier this month, shutting down shops for citizenship checks. In South LA, an agent fired at a suspect who rammed a vehicle while fleeing.

Businesses prepared for Friday's action. Some closed voluntarily in solidarity, and the city stayed on tactical alert. Demonstrations spread across Southern California, with more planned through the weekend.

Key Details

By 7:30 p.m., about 150 people lingered near Alameda Street between Aliso and 1st Street. LAPD issued multiple dispersal orders and declared an unlawful assembly. Officers said protesters were actively fighting despite the warnings.

Arrests and Police Response

Up to five arrests occurred for failure to disperse. Video showed officers in formation grabbing individuals, checking for weapons, and detaining them. Spring Street between Temple and First was closed due to the crowds. Sirens filled the air as more police arrived from Temple Street.

Federal agents used chemical sprays to move the crowd back. LAPD confirmed the dispersal order covered Alameda between Temple and Aliso, with arrests possible for anyone staying.

Mayor Karen Bass addressed the media that evening.

"I know additional people came out because they were outraged at the arrest of Don Lemon here in our own city last night. Here you have a world renowned reporter, Don Lemon, no one questions that he is a reporter. For him to be arrested for doing his job… is just an egregious misuse of our justice system."

— Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

She noted the protest was mostly peaceful until a smaller group clashed with police. Bass urged demonstrators to keep things calm.

Organizers trained volunteers on de-escalation earlier, advising them to share rights info and pressure agents to leave. Groups like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and Órale in Long Beach reported the fast raids leaving little response time.

Protests echoed nationwide, inspired by actions in the Twin Cities. In LA, the crowd swelled past 1,000 by 1 p.m. Police Chief confirmed readiness during a morning crime update, promising to handle the crowds.

What This Means

The clashes highlight deepening divides over immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, a city hit hard by the raids. Quick federal operations have disrupted daily life, from street vendors to shoppers, sparking widespread fear and resistance.

Activists worry about safety after recent shootings during protests. Organizers plan to keep documenting raids but with more caution. The national 'ICE Out' call tests the movement's reach, with shutdowns aiming to hit funding for ICE.

LAPD's unlawful assembly declaration sets a pattern for handling large crowds. Closures and alerts strain city resources, especially with weekend protests ahead. Bass's comments tie local unrest to national issues, like Lemon's arrest, potentially drawing more media and protesters.

Immigration groups see the tactics as escalation, grabbing people without due process. Arrest data shows a mix of criminal and civil cases, but rapid sweeps fuel claims of overreach. As demonstrations continue, police prepare for prolonged tension in a city already on edge.

The events mark 250 years since the nation's founding, with Bass questioning strains on democracy. Protests could grow if raids persist, pulling in more from surrounding areas. Federal response remains firm, focused on swift enforcement amid public backlash.