Anti-ICE protesters gathered again outside the loading bay of a federal building in downtown LA on Thursday evening, where police declared an unlawful assembly.
Officers pushed into the crowd, firing a less lethal round and arresting at least one person.
A man (not immediately clear which agency) pointed a scoped rifle directly into the crowd of protesters and press as police threatened arrest.
The activists celebrated a small victory as a judge temporarily enjoined the National Guard from being deployed at Trump’s directive without California’s executive approval, a decision which has since been overturned.
Some activists, but one in particular, vehemently instructed the crowd to obey the order to leave, which ultimately fragmented the crowd.
A handful of protesters ended up inside of a kettle formation, which closed in on and arrested them.
Two vehicles adorned with pro-immigrant and pro-Palestine symbols were also towed from inside the kettle.
“Peaceful protest!” chanted arrested activists who were loaded into an LAPD bus.
“See you tomorrow!” one yelled at journalists filming as police drove them away.
United States Marines arrive
United States Marines were visible Friday afternoon in Los Angeles, their first time seen amidst anti-ICE protests that escalated one week prior.
The Marines could be seen protecting a federal building as protests continued.
“Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here!”
Protesters continued to march against ICE deportations in downtown LA, but there were no major violence or arrests reported, marking the biggest deescalation since the unrest began.
This comes ahead of the Saturday “No Kings” demonstrations nationwide against President Trump’s military parade in Washington DC.
Video contributed to News2Share by Neil Radimaker
