On January 30-31, 2026, thousands of protesters in downtown Los Angeles clashed with police and federal immigration agents during a national ‘ICE Out’ day of action, leading to arrests and a citywide tactical alert as demonstrations turned violent after nightfall.
The protests began peacefully on Friday afternoon as part of a coordinated nationwide movement demanding an end to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Crowds gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall and Grand Park, with participants leaving work or school in solidarity with recent victims of federal agent violence in Minnesota, including Alex Pretti and Renee Good, whose killings have sparked outrage. Organizers called for a ‘national strike,’ urging financial boycotts and abstention from daily activities.
As evening fell, a group of protesters marched toward the Metropolitan Detention Center, where federal agents were stationed. Tensions escalated when demonstrators threw debris and objects at the building, prompting agents to respond with pepper balls and irritant sprays. Video footage showed protesters moving a dumpster toward the loading dock, which was later set on fire outside the detention center. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared an unlawful assembly and issued dispersal orders.
In response, LAPD activated a citywide tactical alert and made several arrests. Authorities reported that at least one suspect used a slingshot to shoot hard metal objects at officers, while others were detained for failure to disperse. Mayor Karen Bass stated that up to five people had been taken into custody by late evening, with no significant injuries or damage to city property reported.
Mayor Bass addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest while condemning the violent actions of a minority. She warned that vandalism and clashes could provide the federal administration with a pretext to escalate military presence, referencing recent National Guard deployments. Bass also noted that the arrest of journalist Don Lemon the previous night may have attracted additional participants to the demonstrations.
The protests were part of a broader national movement, with similar gatherings in Orange County and across the country. In Santa Ana and other areas, demonstrators rallied against ongoing ICE raids, with some businesses closing or donating proceeds to immigrant support networks. The day of action highlighted widespread discontent with immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration.
Federal operations, such as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minneapolis, have intensified debates over immigration policy. In Washington, D.C., political negotiations are underway to separate Department of Homeland Security funding from broader spending bills. The protests underscore deep divisions and the challenges of balancing enforcement with community safety.
As the night concluded, most protesters had dispersed, but tensions remain high. LAPD continues to monitor the situation, with additional protests planned in surrounding areas. The events reflect ongoing national struggles over immigration and civil liberties in a polarized climate.
