50 Arrested After Protest in Downtown LA

Authorities say demonstrators clashed with police after a peaceful anti-ICE rally turned chaotic.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Police in Los Angeles say they arrested 50 people following a protest in downtown LA on Saturday night. The protest, which was part of an ongoing series of demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), started peacefully but turned confrontational after nightfall as a smaller group of protesters clashed with law enforcement.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists protesting the federal government's immigration policies. While the majority of the protests have been peaceful, isolated incidents of violence and property damage have led to arrests and raised concerns about public safety.

The details

According to authorities, the protest on Saturday began with hundreds of people gathering outside LA City Hall to demonstrate against ICE. As night fell, a smaller group of protesters began targeting federal agents guarding a nearby detention center, throwing debris and objects at them. Police then declared an unlawful assembly and issued dispersal orders, leading to 50 arrests. Charges included assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, curfew violations, and failure to disperse.

  • The protest took place on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • Arrests were made hours after the protest began, as night fell on downtown LA.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which responded to the protest and made the arrests.

Federal Agents

Federal law enforcement officers who were guarding a detention center and faced off with protesters.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Los Angeles.”

— Robert Jenkins, Los Angeles Resident

What’s next

The arrested protesters will face charges in court, and authorities will likely review their response to the protest to determine if any changes are needed to maintain public safety during future demonstrations.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and challenges in balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain public order, as well as the complexities involved in policing large-scale demonstrations against federal immigration policies.