LOS ANGELES — Protesters clashed with police during demonstrations against ongoing ICE immigration raids in Los Angeles, officials said Monday.
Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to multiple sites in downtown and other areas as crowds gathered in protest of federal enforcement actions, according to department statements. The confrontations followed days of unrest sparked by raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents earlier in the week.
Authorities reported using less-lethal munitions, including tear gas and flash-bang grenades, to disperse crowds after some protesters threw objects at officers and engaged in property damage. LAPD declared portions of downtown an unlawful assembly on Monday evening, ordering demonstrators to disperse.
ICE officials confirmed raids targeted locations in the Fashion District and other parts of the city, resulting in arrests of individuals suspected of immigration violations. Federal agents, supported by local law enforcement, executed search warrants at businesses and other sites.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the situation, calling for calm while criticizing aspects of the federal operations, according to local media reports. Protesters, including immigrant rights advocates, demanded an end to the raids and expressed concerns over family separations and community impacts.
"These actions are tearing our communities apart," one organizer said during a demonstration, as reported by local news outlets. Officials from the Trump administration defended the operations as necessary for public safety and enforcement of immigration laws.
The clashes involved both peaceful demonstrations and instances of violence, with reports of vandalism, blocked streets and confrontations in areas including Compton and Paramount. Police reported injuries to officers, while details on protester injuries remained limited and unverified from independent sources.
The unrest occurred amid broader nationwide efforts by the Trump administration to increase immigration enforcement following the implementation of travel restrictions and other policies. California officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, expressed opposition to certain federal tactics, according to statements.
As of Monday night, protests continued in some downtown locations with National Guard presence reported in support of local authorities. The full extent of arrests, injuries and damage from the day's events was still being assessed by officials. Diplomatic and community responses were ongoing.
