Tensions boiled over in downtown Los Angeles on Friday as leftist rioters clashed with federal agents, U.S. Marines, and National Guard troops.
The violent mobs were part of anti-ICE protests, prompting a swift crackdown by law enforcement amid mounting protests against deportation policies.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, “multiple arrests” were made as rioters took to the streets.
The riots are part of the ongoing unrest aimed at obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Confirming the escalation, the LAPD wrote on X:
“Most were peaceful, but once again, as the evening approached, outside agitators began to cause issues.”
Earlier, the department said demonstrators were “confronting Federal Protective Security Personnel and National Guard members.”
LAPD also noted that “Less Lethal munitions have been deployed by Federal authorities.”
Police continued by warning the public that the devices “may cause pain and discomfort.”
Los Angeles (July 4) — Anti-American extremists and Mexican nationalists gathered to attack federal law enforcement in downtown to intimidate the U.S. government into stopping immigration enforcement.
Video by @camhigby: pic.twitter.com/1Q63RPp3fg
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) July 5, 2025
The clash follows weeks of anti-ICE protests across the state and comes just days after President Donald Trump authorized a historic deployment of National Guard and Marine units to cities like Los Angeles in an effort to support federal immigration enforcement.
That move was made over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had denounced Trump’s use of military personnel to assist immigration crackdowns.
Protesters began marching around 9:30 a.m. Friday morning from City Hall on Spring Street, taking a 1.5-mile route through downtown Los Angeles, local station KCAL reported.
By evening, tensions had escalated as the crowd confronted heavily equipped law enforcement and federal agents.
Anti-ICE and anti-Trump protesters outside of the federal building in downtown Los Angeles.
🎥: @Julio_Rosas11 pic.twitter.com/OmSpAI8uPh
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 4, 2025
According to a 7:17 p.m. update from LAPD, the group dispersed shortly after a dispersal order was authorized by the incident commander.
Independent journalist Anthony Cabassa confirmed that federal officials had declared the protest an “unlawful assembly,” and that Marines and DHS officers in riot gear were seen moving in to restore order and disperse the crowd.
Friday’s protest marks the latest confrontation in a growing series of radical anti-ICE demonstrations across the country, many of which have been fueled by progressive activists and “sanctuary” city policies.
The Trump administration has remained firm in its position that federal law will be enforced, with or without the cooperation of state officials like Newsom.
While no serious injuries have been reported, the situation in Los Angeles remains tense as law enforcement braces for additional protests over the holiday weekend.
While radicals try to disrupt federal immigration enforcement, President Trump has made clear: law and order will be restored, and America’s borders will be protected.
READ MORE – Gavin Newsom Attended Luxury Wine-Tasting Event While Rioters Destroyed Los Angeles
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