• Violent protests broke out in Los Angeles following ICE immigration raids.
• Police used tear gas against demonstrators who responded with violence.
• Los Angeles Mayor condemned the raids as sowing fear in communities.
• Reports indicate dozens were arrested amid chaos and unrest.
• Protesters alleged that ICE did not follow legal protocols during raids.

In downtown Los Angeles, a tense confrontation unfolded on Friday evening as protesters clashed with helmeted police during demonstrations against federal immigration raids. These raids resulted in the custody of dozens of individuals across the city, sparking immediate anger from community members. Video footage depicted armed Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers facing off against demonstrators, who were ordered to disperse by authorities due to escalating tensions, according to Reuters and SCMP.

As the confrontations intensified, some protesters threw objects at police, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas and pepper spray. LAPD declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, warning that individuals who refused to comply could face arrest. Despite the chaos, it remained unclear how many arrests occurred during the standoff, reports Al Jazeera and Reuters.

The immigration enforcement operation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents targeting various locations throughout Los Angeles, including a Home Depot and an apparel store, as part of a broader crackdown on undocumented migrants initiated by President Trump’s administration. Local media and advocacy groups reported that around 70 to 80 people had been detained during these operations, according to Al Jazeera.

Condemning the immigration raids, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated, "These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city." Community advocates expressed concerns that the raids were conducted without proper legal protocols, adding to the chaos and unrest among immigrant populations, according to SCMP and Reuters.

Caleb Soto, a representative from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, criticized ICE for allegedly failing to obtain necessary judicial warrants for the raids, highlighting that such actions could lead to constitutional violations. The aggressive nature of the raids aimed to instill fear within immigrant communities, a sentiment echoed by many participants in the protests, as reported by Al Jazeera.