As U.S. authorities conducted sweeping immigration raids—detaining dozens, including a prominent labor union leader—hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles, only to face violent police suppression.
Tear Gas and Baton Charges
LAPD deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds protesting Friday’s raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which arrested at least 44 people. CNN reported police declared the demonstrations “unlawful assemblies” before issuing a tactical emergency alert. The department later tweeted that riot control measures were “authorized by incident commanders.”
Graphic Scenes
Viral videos showed:
– Riot police firing smoke canisters into crowds
– Protesters chanting “Free them all!” with signs reading “Full rights for all immigrants”
– Multiple officers pinning a demonstrator to the ground
The Raids
ICE targeted three locations allegedly using fake documents to employ workers. One operation occurred at LA’s Fashion District, where federal prosecutor Ciaran McEvoy confirmed warrants were issued after a judge found evidence of fraudulent paperwork.
Union Leader Arrested
David Huerta, president of SEIU United Service Workers West, was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada warned on X: “No one gets to block federal officers.” Huerta later condemned the raids while recovering from arrest injuries, stating: “Hardworking people are treated like criminals. This isn’t justice—it’s oppression.”
Political Fallout
– Governor Gavin Newsom called Huerta a “respected patriot” and warned against “government overreach”
– LAPD Chief Michel Moore distanced local police from ICE operations, vowing not to enforce immigration laws
– Mayor Karen Bass slammed the raids as “terror tactics” undermining public safety
Ongoing Clashes
Protesters blocked police vehicles and spray-painted anti-ICE graffiti outside detention centers. Aerial footage showed police clearing streets with smoke bombs as families of detainees sought information about loved ones. The LAPD warned remaining protesters faced arrest after 7 PM.
Context: The crackdown comes amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement, with California officials increasingly clashing with federal policies.