Anti-ICE rioters violently clash with police outside federal LA building, at least 5 arrested

Anti-ICE riots unfolded on Friday evening in downtown Los Angeles near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, where hundreds of anti-ICE agitators violently clashed with federal authorities and up to five people were arrested, according to ABC 7 Los Angeles.

The rioters attempted to push closer to the complex, prompting agents to deploy pepper spray. Many of those involved concealed their identities with black bloc. As tensions escalated, officers released tear gas in an effort to scatter the riot.

Several agitators vandalized nearby property, spraying the message “F*ck ICE” across a concrete barrier while others marked up sections of the federal building itself. Piles of assorted trash were dragged in front of the parking structure, creating obstacles around the site.

At one stage in the riots, members of the group also rolled a large red dumpster toward the entrance to use as cover, but federal agents maintained their positions and gradually pushed them back from the area.

“Due to multiple large groups of protestors traffic is significantly impacted near Alameda St & 1st St. Please avoid the area. Updates to follow as conditions change,” the Los Angeles Police Department announced on social media as the disturbance intensified.

By around 6:30 pm, LAPD officers arrived in force with support from a helicopter, broadcasting orders for the crowd to leave “immediately.” Lines of police equipped with helmets, shields, and batons advanced steadily, driving the agitators away from the building.

The unrest was connected to a broader campaign labeled a “Nationwide Shutdown,” which urged supporters to observe “No School. No Work. No Shopping” as a demonstration against ICE.

Police continued to describe the situation online as clashes persisted. “Protestors are actively fighting with Officers after multiple dispersal orders were issued. Metropolitan Division is now on scene. Less than lethal has been authorized due to the violence against officers,” one update read.

A later post added, “Arrests of violent agitators are now being made after several dispersal orders were issued. Alameda between Aliso and 1st St remains closed due to demonstrators failing to disperse.”

Most of the crowd had been cleared before 7 p.m., though a smaller number of agitators refused to leave.

“Much of the demonstration has dispersed, however, a small group of agitators remains in the area. Alameda between 1st St and Aliso will remain closed. Additional DISPERSAL ORDERS are being issued to those who remain at Alameda and 1st St,” LAPD Central Division reported.

The police department also reported that one suspect was arrested for using a slingshot to shoot officers with metal objects while they were standing in line.