Federal agents and protesters clashed again on Saturday in Los Angeles, marking the second day of escalating unrest sparked by federal immigration raids that have already led to dozens of arrests. The latest confrontation occurred in the city of Paramount, southeast of downtown Los Angeles, where heavily armed federal personnel in green tactical gear and gas masks faced off against crowds protesting immigration raids carried out by ICE on Friday.
Border Patrol agents deployed tear gas and flashbangs as demonstrators gathered in growing numbers, some shouting slogans, waving flags, and recording the scene on smartphones. A stretch of the boulevard was shut down as tensions mounted.
Protesters, some covering their faces with masks, chanted “ICE out of Paramount” and held signs decrying the raids. One demonstrator waved a Mexican flag while others stood defiantly as gas clouds spread across the street.
In a live video feed shared online, federal officers could be seen standing in formation behind overturned shopping carts, reinforcing what appeared to be a military-style perimeter.
What Led To The Unrest
The unrest followed a wide-ranging immigration enforcement operation on Friday, during which at least 44 individuals were arrested throughout Los Angeles. According to the Department of Homeland Security, around 1,000 demonstrators later gathered outside a federal facility, where they allegedly defaced property, slashed vehicle tires, and assaulted officers.
The Los Angeles immigration operation is part of a broader national effort by the Trump administration to increase deportations. President Trump has vowed to remove undocumented migrants at record levels.
White House Deputy Chief Condemns Protests
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller condemned Friday’s protests as “an insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States” and reaffirmed President Trump’s pledge to deport record numbers of undocumented immigrants — setting a target of at least 3,000 ICE arrests per day.
Saturday’s developments further escalated the political rift between federal authorities and local officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a vocal critic of ICE’s actions, denounced the raids.
“These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this,” she said in a statement.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pushed back against local leaders’ criticism, accusing them of fueling anti-ICE sentiment. “From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This violence against ICE must end.”
The FBI confirmed it is reviewing evidence from the protests alongside the US Attorney’s Office to identify possible criminal conduct.
(With inputs from agencies)