Protests in Los Angeles turned violent on Sunday as law enforcement fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators opposing aggressive federal immigration raids and the controversial deployment of the National Guard ordered by President Donald Trump.
What began as peaceful protests in downtown LA on Friday quickly spread to Latino-majority neighborhoods like Paramount and Compton. By Sunday, hundreds gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre, where many detainees from the recent sweeps are being held. Protesters shouted slogans like “shame” and “go home” at heavily armed National Guard troops.
The unrest was triggered by widespread immigration enforcement actions that began late Friday, leading to over 100 arrests. Demonstrations erupted near government buildings and in areas where raids were ongoing. In Paramount, protesters attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles, with some throwing rocks and cement, prompting a forceful response from federal agents using flash-bangs, tear gas, and pepper balls.
Tensions peaked when the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly, and riot police clashed with demonstrators attempting to block the 101 freeway.
