Protests against immigration raids in downtown Los Angeles intensified Friday evening, prompting police in riot gear to deploy tear gas and flash bangs in an effort to disperse demonstrators.
Protests By nightfall, the Los Angeles Police Department had issued a citywide tactical alert, nearly two hours after declaring several downtown protests to be unlawful assemblies. “The use of less lethal munitions has been authorized by the Incident Commander,” LAPD’s Central Division announced in a post on X.
Protests The demonstrations erupted after federal immigration authorities reportedly arrested at least 44 individuals earlier in the day. According to the Associated Press, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out search warrants at three separate locations, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Homeland Security Investigations.
CNN has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for additional details.
David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was taken into custody by federal agents after he allegedly tried to block their access to the worksite.
Following his arrest and treatment for related injuries, SEIU California President David Huerta issued a statement strongly criticizing the widespread immigration raids.
This is not justice—it’s injustice. And we have a responsibility to stand on the right side of justice.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also responded to the incident, defending Huerta and expressing concern over the arrest.
Protesters began gathering outside the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles around 4 p.m., according to CNN affiliate KABC.
Video footage obtained by CNN shows a tense encounter as protesters approached the building’s entrance, where they were met by police officers in riot gear. As projectiles were hurled toward the officers—who were equipped with body armor and shields—police responded by deploying smoke bombs to disperse the crowd. At least one person was seen being restrained and pinned to the ground by law enforcement.
Additional videos captured scenes of unrest near the detention facility, with graffiti sprayed across its exterior and some demonstrators blocking LAPD vehicles in the area.
According to KABC, families and friends of individuals detained by immigration authorities gathered at the detention center, hoping to get information about their loved ones’ whereabouts and status.
One young woman, speaking through tears, told the outlet she rushed to the building after learning her father had been taken by federal agents.
Around 7 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department declared the protest an unlawful assembly and issued warnings that anyone remaining in the area could face arrest.
Aerial footage captured by KABC showed law enforcement deploying smoke bombs on a city street to clear the way for SUVs and military-style vehicles as tensions escalated.
Despite the heavy police presence, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that the department would not participate in immigration crackdowns.
“I want everyone—especially members of our immigrant communities—to feel safe calling the police in times of need, knowing the LAPD will respond without regard to immigration status,” he added.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also issued a strong statement condemning the federal immigration operations. She described the raids as deliberate attempts to “sow terror” and undermine the foundational values of community safety.
“As the mayor of a proud city built by immigrants—who enrich our communities in countless ways—I am deeply angered by what has unfolded,” Bass said.