Anti-deportation protest turns violent in LA, officers detain, release over 100 activists without arrest

Over 100 anti-deportation activists protesting President Donald Trump's immigration policies were detained but then released without arrest after clashes with police in downtown Los Angeles. This comes one day after thousands of protesters blocked the 101 Freeway and caused massive traffic delays.

The demonstrators gathered near City Hall Monday as part of a nationwide movement called, "A Day Without Immigrants," which encouraged businesses to close and consumers not to shop in protest of Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. As night fell, the protest turned violent as activists clashed with officers, and LAPD detained over 100 protesters, but released them later without arrest, according to reporter Anthony Cabassa.

A single arrest was reported by CBS News for the alleged possession of a firearm and police are searching for a suspect who allegedly shot a rocket at their helicopter overhead. Police reported that rocks as well as bottles were thrown at them by the agitators.

The activists marched through downtown Los Angeles carrying Mexican flags and chanting. Some were seen jumping on top of cars and blocking intersections, causing traffic delays.

Many of demonstrators blocked the streets for most of the day and in the early evening, at which point the LAPD issued a dispersal order declaring an unlawful assembly in downtown Los Angeles. They warned those who did not leave the area would be subject to arrest.

Following Trump's inauguration, ICE agents have started targeting illegal immigrants with violent criminal records in sanctuary cities, including Los Angeles. The following day, Trump lifted guidelines that restricted ICE from operating at schools, churches, or hospitals.

The DEA in LA announced it is cooperating with federal law enforcement partners on immigration enforcement. Following the announcement, the Los Angeles Unified School District began handing out "Know Your Rights" cards to students with information about people's rights if they were ever approached by an ICE agent.