Several arrests were made in Los Angeles on Friday following weeks of protests regarding deportations and ICE actions. Tensions flared as anti-ICE demonstrators clashed with law enforcement and military personnel.
The Los Angeles police reported numerous arrests in the downtown area, stating that while the earlier part of the day was largely peaceful, tensions increased in the evening when “outside agitators” started to stir unrest.
In an interesting development, the Department of Justice faced allegations after a protective gear delivery to anti-ICE protesters was broadcasted live on television.
As the evening progressed, police indicated that demonstrators planned to confront federal protection officers and National Guard troops. They warned that while less lethal munitions were being deployed, they could still inflict significant pain and discomfort.
In response to the protests that began last month, the Trump administration sent in National Guard troops and Marines, despite some pushback from Governor Gavin Newsom.
Local news reports noted that protesters began gathering outside city hall around 9:30 AM, marching through downtown on a route spanning about 1.5 miles. By nightfall, police ordered dispersal, and the gathering was cleared shortly after.
In the midst of this, some Homeland Security officials labeled the protests as illegal, with independent journalist Anthony Cabassa noting that Marines and federal agents were equipped with riot gear while instructing crowds to disperse.
