Anti-ICE rioters zip-tied, carted off by LA police on 4th day of chaos

For the fourth consecutive day, protests against federal immigration enforcement have gripped Los Angeles, drawing thousands of rioters into the streets of downtown LA and Santa Ana. Demonstrations quickly descended into chaos Monday evening and police zip-tied rioters and carted them away on LAPD buses.

Rioters were given the option to disperse or face arrest after police declared an unlawful assembly. Those who did not leave were arrested. Riots and protests have been ongoing since Friday and 56 people were arrested over the weekend.

In downtown Los Angeles, rioters gathered near Temple and Los Angeles streets, where video captured by FOX 11 showed a pickup truck distributing masks and face shields to protesters. The situation quickly unraveled when some individuals began hurling objects at police officers. LAPD authorized the use of "less-lethal munitions" in response, using rubber bullets and pepper spray. Vehicles were also seen performing donuts in intersections as law enforcement attempted to regain control.

In Santa Ana, a rally outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building turned violent, prompting Santa Ana Police to declare an unlawful assembly. Federal officers, sheriff's deputies, and local police formed skirmish lines around Civic Center Plaza. Tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper balls were deployed after some in the crowd reportedly threw objects at both officers and fellow demonstrators.

Video showed fireworks being launched toward police and into crowds, raising concerns of escalating violence. At least one person was taken into custody by federal authorities for allegedly assaulting officers. The Santa Ana Police Department confirmed multiple arrests.

Police had a much stronger presence than on previous evenings and brought in buses to make mass arrests. Among those temporarily detained was journalist Cam Higby, who said he was boxed in with rioters when police encircled the area. “The police closed both sides of the street and arrested everyone still present,” Higby said. “Once I showed my press credentials, they let me go. We shook hands, and I left.”

Law enforcement presence surged throughout the evening. Around 9 pm, an overwhelming convoy of police vehicles — stretching for three blocks — arrived in Los Angeles, called in from across the state to assist with arrests and restore order.

Many speculated that the show of force was in part a response by local Democratic officials to President Donald Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard and authorize the deployment of 2,000 additional troops to Southern California. Marines are also standing by to offer support to law enforcement.

The federal mobilization followed days of criticism over what some viewed as inadequate action by state and local leaders. Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley placed the blame squarely on Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, citing their immigration and law enforcement policies as catalysts for the unrest. “These kinds of violent protests shouldn’t be happening anywhere in America,” Kiley told FOX 11. “It’s the direct result of poor leadership and refusal to enforce the law.” Bass and Newsom blamed Trump.

Meanwhile, officials say it may take a day or more for the full National Guard deployment to be operational as rioting and looting continued. The order puts troops on active duty status, as federal and state agencies brace for more protests in the days ahead.