Los Angeles police detained several people after confrontations broke out when thousands marched from City Hall to a federal detention center Friday evening. A group of agitators blocked the facility's loading dock and pushed a construction dumpster, prompting LAPD to issue a dispersal order and use pepper balls and tear gas. Mayor Karen Bass confirmed five arrests for failure to disperse and urged protests to remain peaceful; Rep. Maxine Waters joined demonstrators chanting against ICE. The actions were part of nationwide "ICE Out Everywhere" protests following recent shootings in Minneapolis.
LAPD Detains Violent Agitators After Clashes Outside Federal Detention Center in Los Angeles
A protester attacks a police officer with a skateboard during a "National Shutdown" protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles on Jan. 30, 2026.(Getty Images)
Los Angeles police detained several people described as violent agitators after issuing dispersal orders Friday evening as protests erupted across the city.
What Happened
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at City Hall in the afternoon and many later marched to the federal detention center near Alameda Street. Video from the scene showed a portion of the crowd blocking the facility's loading-dock entrance and pushing a large construction dumpster against the building.
The Los Angeles Police Department posted footage of the unrest on social media and said officers deployed pepper balls and tear gas to disperse the crowd. In a message posted by the department, officials said they had hoped the demonstrations would remain peaceful but that confrontational actions by some participants required police intervention.
Police Response and Arrests
LAPD issued a dispersal order at about 5:45 p.m., directing people on Alameda Street between Union Station and First Street to leave or face arrest. The department also placed parts of the city on tactical alert, citing reports of violent agitators on Alameda between Temple and Aliso streets.
Protesters take shelter behind a dumpster that they moved in an attempt to barricade police during a "National Shutdown" protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles on Jan. 30, 2026.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said five arrests had been made for failure to disperse, though LAPD did not immediately confirm the total number of arrests. The department additionally reported one arrest after an individual allegedly used a slingshot to fire hard metal objects at officers. Police said some demonstrators continued to throw bottles and rocks, and that federal personnel were struck by debris and other objects, prompting authorities to declare an unlawful assembly.
"Protestors are actively fighting with Officers after multiple dispersal orders were issued," LAPD wrote on X. "Metropolitan Division is now on scene. Less than lethal has been authorized due to the violence against officers."
Voices at the Scene
Representative Maxine Waters, D-Calif., attended the demonstration and was captured on video chanting, "ICE out of L.A." in front of officers in riot gear. Mayor Bass urged protesters to remain peaceful, saying violent unrest is counterproductive and risks undermining the movement's goals. She also referenced the recent arrest of former CNN host Don Lemon — who has been charged in connection with a separate anti-ICE protest — to criticize what she described as overreach in enforcement.
The protests were part of nationwide "ICE Out Everywhere" demonstrations following the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
Note: This is a developing story. Updates may follow as authorities provide more information. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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