Sling shot-wielding protester arrested at violent anti-ICE rally in LA

Authorities deployed pepper balls and tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd outside a downtown detention center.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:23pm

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A sling shot-wielding individual was arrested during a violent anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles on Friday evening. The suspect, whose identity was not released, was one of at least five people taken into custody as agitators clashed with federal officers outside an immigration detention center. Protesters also set fire to a dumpster and spray-painted "F--k ICE" on the building and concrete barriers.

Why it matters

The protests are part of a nationwide effort to bring attention to the actions of the Department of Homeland Security, but the violence and property damage raise concerns about public safety and the ability of demonstrators to effectively voice their concerns.

The details

According to the LAPD, authorities deployed pepper balls and tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd after protesters began fighting with officers. Most of the demonstrators had their faces covered with masks or scarves, and some were wearing gas masks. In addition to the sling shot incident, protesters also set fire to a dumpster and spray-painted "F--k ICE" on the detention center building and concrete barriers.

  • The protest took place on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the protest and used less-lethal measures to disperse the crowd.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles urged protesters to remain calm during the unrest.

Department of Homeland Security

The protests were aimed at bringing attention to the actions of the Department of Homeland Security across the country.

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What they’re saying

“The protests are extremely important, but the protests must be peaceful.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (X)

“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 (X)

What’s next

The LAPD has not indicated if the suspect arrested for the sling shot incident will face additional charges. The mayor's call for peaceful protests suggests authorities will be closely monitoring any future demonstrations.

The takeaway

The violent clashes between protesters and police at the anti-ICE rally highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the challenges of balancing the right to protest with public safety concerns. The incident underscores the need for demonstrators to remain peaceful in order to effectively voice their message and enact meaningful change.