Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters turned downtown Los Angeles into a scene of chaos Friday as they swarmed the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and confronted federal agents in what authorities described as a hostile standoff. So much for “peaceful protest.”
The unruly crowd attempted to push closer to the building, prompting federal officers to deploy pepper spray to hold them back. Many of the agitators had their faces covered with masks or scarves, and some even showed up wearing gas masks — because nothing says “organic protest” like pre-planned riot gear.
At one point, federal agents used what appeared to be tear gas to disperse the mob as tensions escalated. The Los Angeles Police Department quickly warned the public to stay clear of the area, saying traffic near Alameda Street and 1st Street was heavily impacted and conditions were rapidly changing.
By around 6:30 p.m., LAPD moved in with officers on the ground and a helicopter overhead ordering the crowd to leave “immediately.” Officers equipped with shields, helmets, and batons steadily pushed the protesters away from the federal building, restoring some order to the area.
The protest was part of a so-called “Nationwide Shutdown” effort urging “No School. No Work. No Shopping” in opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement actions. Apparently, disrupting traffic and clashing with police is now considered civic engagement.
LAPD’s Central Division reported that demonstrators were actively fighting with officers even after multiple dispersal orders. Due to the violence directed at police, less-lethal force was authorized. Later updates said most of the crowd dispersed, though a smaller group of agitators remained near Alameda Street and 1st Street, which stayed closed as additional dispersal orders were issued.
Authorities have not yet confirmed how many arrests were made.
Once again, law enforcement was forced to step in to protect federal property and restore order — a reminder that when officers are allowed to do their jobs, chaos doesn’t have to win. And that’s always good news for law-abiding Americans who just want their city streets back.
