ICE Watch agitators in LA attack journalist, tell live streamers to look the other way

A journalist was attacked in downtown Los Angeles during anti-ICE protests after activists falsely identified her as a political figure, as police struggled to contain unrest that spread across multiple parts of the city Friday night.

Alexandra Datig was beaten to the ground after ICE Watch activists incorrectly labeled her online as “Cali MAGA Barbie,” according to footage and witness accounts from the scene. Video shows nearby livestreamers turning their cameras away moments before the assault began. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department intervened and removed Datig from the crowd, preventing further injury, reports WEPD.

The attack occurred as the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly amid ongoing “ICE out” demonstrations, which authorities say escalated into violence against officers. Police reported that agitators threw water bottles and other objects, while one suspect allegedly used a slingshot to fire hard metal projectiles at officers.

“We had hoped that demonstrations today would be peaceful, however, as you can see in this video, the violent agitators invited LAPD due to their actions,” LAPD Central Division said in a statement posted to X.

Footage from the protest shows a crowd surrounding a dumpster that had been spray-painted with anti-ICE slogans before being set on fire. Officers issued multiple dispersal orders and traffic advisories as demonstrators marched through city streets toward federal buildings.

According to Fox News, thousands of protesters gathered near City Hall before moving toward a federal detention center. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said five individuals were arrested for failure to disperse, though police did not immediately confirm the total number of arrests.

Police deployed pepper balls and tear gas after determining the crowd was actively fighting with officers.

“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” Bass wrote on X. “I urge Angelenos to exercise that right safely and not give this administration an excuse to escalate. Los Angeles stands together.”

The demonstrations were part of a coordinated national action known as “ICE Out Everywhere,” which followed two fatal encounters between federal officers and anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis earlier this month.

Alex Pretti, 37, was shot and killed on January 24 after approaching CBP officers while carrying a 9mm handgun and two magazines.