Several arrests made amid anti-ICE protests in downtown LA
LAPD clashes with anti-ICE protesters
The LAPD confirms multiple people were arrested after officers clashed with anti-ICE protesters in downtown LA.
LOS ANGELES - Thousands of Southern California residents took part in a national day of anti-ICE protests with more demonstrations planned through the weekend.
In Los Angeles, where Trump's immigration surge first began last June, thousands of protesters gathered in front of City Hall in the afternoon and later marched to the federal detention center.
LAPD issue tactical alert amid anti-ICE protests
Anti-ice protesters clashed with LAPD in downtown L.A. on Friday evening, causing road closures.
What they're saying:
While some demonstrations remained peaceful, some got out of hand.
"Unison and community, we stand together and that’s what it’s about, more people more power," one protester told FOX 11.
"I think the protests are extremely important, but it is equally important for these protesters to be peaceful," said Mayor Karen Bass.
Mayor Bass said at least five people were detained. During a press conference, she detailed the strain Friday night has put on the city's police force.
"We’re already struggling with the police department right now in terms of overtime costs, we are strapped in terms of hiring the number of officers that we have, so this just puts an incredible burden on our city, but peaceful protest is a whole other thing."
The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division shared on X that protesters had dispersed for the most part, however, a "small group of agitators remains in the area."
LAPD officials said several people were arrested.
Mayor Karen Bass responds to protests
As officers shared on X that they began arresting "violent agitators" in downtown, Mayor Karen Bass called for peaceful protests and to not "give this administration an excuse to escalate."
During a news conference Friday evening, Bass said that while peaceful protests were "extremely important" to democracy, she stressed that it was equally important that demonstrators do not vandalize property.
"Peaceful protest is critical. I can only imagine what would happen to our democracy if people were not protesting right now. It is America's tradition, it's part of our First Amendment right, but it is not our right to tear up our city, to vandalize property or to create any type of violence," she said.
'ICE OUT' protests: Mayor Bass speaks on demonstrations in downtown
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass spoke with media outlets on Friday evening amid anti-ICE protests. Though Bass said "peaceful protest is critical" to democracy, she stressed "it is not our right to tear up our city."
Big picture view:
As the demonstration stretched into the evening, federal agents began using chemical sprays to push the crowd back.
Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters joined the protest, chanting "ICE out of LA" in front of a line of officers in riot gear.
"What I see here at the detention center are people exercising their constitutional rights," Waters said. "And of course, they're now trying to tear gas everybody. It's in the air, but people are not moving."
Los Angeles Police Department issued multiple dispersal orders after protestors began impacting traffic and throwing items at officers. (KTTV)
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Protests in downtown Los Angeles
Local perspective:
Due to ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations in downtown Los Angeles, the LAPD issued a dispersal order to all people on Alameda between Temple and Aliso. The department said anyone who remains in the area of the dispersal order is subject to arrest.
In addition, the LAPD confirmed that Spring Street between Temple and First streets was closed due to demonstrations.
On Friday morning, businesses across LA prepared for the demonstrations, with some even voluntarily closing in solidarity with the movement.
Los Angeles remains on a city-wide tactical alert.
LA prepares for 'ICE Out of Everywhere' protests
"ICE Out Everywhere" protests are planned across Southern California and nationwide.
Cities nationwide took part in "ICE Out Everywhere" protests following the deadly shootings of Alex Pretti, Renee Good and Keith Porter involving federal agents. Activists are calling for a shutdown with "no school, no work and no shopping," to stop funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
"The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country--to stop ICE's reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN. On Friday, January 30, join a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping," organizers wrote online.
Protesters carrying signs gathered outside a Target store in Woodland Hills earlier Friday, criticizing what they described as the retailer's abandonment of diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Some demonstrators alleged that federal immigration enforcement agents have been allowed on store premises.
Target officials denied the claims, saying the company has no cooperative agreement with the federal government regarding immigration enforcement.
Crowds also began gathering ahead of what was expected to be the region's largest rally, outside Los Angeles City Hall and the adjacent Grand Park. By the scheduled 1 p.m. start, a throng of over 1,000 people had gathered in the park.
(SKYFOX)
Los Angeles Unified School District campuses remained open Friday.
"Schools are providing students with opportunities on campus for student expression, offering additional district resources and guidance for students to engage in meaningful discussions on campus," according to a statement from the District.
Timeline:
Below is a list of scheduled protests in the greater Los Angeles area.
Friday, Jan. 30
Burbank
A demonstration is scheduled from12:30-1:30 p.m. at Pasadena City College.
Chino Hills
The Chino Valley Abolish ICE March and Rally is scheduled on Friday, Jan. 30, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at The Shoppes at Chino Hills.
Downtown LA
A demonstration is scheduled for 1 p.m. at LA City Hall.
Fontana
An ICE Out event is scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m. at Fontana City Hall.
Pasadena
A demonstration is planned at Pasadena City College from noon to 1 p.m.
Santa Clarita
ICE Out Everywhere: Santa Clarita is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 at the Good Trouble Corner, located at the intersection of Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway.
Thousand Oaks
A Vigil for Victims of ICE is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hillcrest Drive and Lynn Road.
Saturday
Corona
A protest is planned starting at 10 a.m. at Rimpau Park.
Aliso Viejo
The Aliso Viejo: ICE Out Everywhere event is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at The Commons, located at Aliso Creek Road and Enterprise.
Downtown Los Angeles
ICE Out Everywhere: Los Angeles is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. at LA City Hall.
Zoom
San Bernardino and Riverside counties will host a virtual National Day of Action/Shutdown on Saturday at 10:45 a.m.
Sunday
Huntington Beach
HB 4 Democracy: Ice Out Everywhere, is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1 beginning at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Yorktown Avenue.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Action Network website, official statements from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles Police Department. City News Service contributed to this report.