LAPD Clears Anti-ICE Protests in Downtown Los Angeles

Demonstrations led to street closures and tear gas deployment as authorities made arrests

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:15am

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Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday to protest against ICE, leading to multiple street closures and the deployment of tear gas by federal authorities. The Los Angeles Police Department declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and made at least two dozen arrests. Federal officials stated they have authorized probable cause arrests and will pursue federal charges against those who broke the law.

Why it matters

The use of federal agents and tear gas to disperse the protests highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and anti-ICE activists in Los Angeles. The willingness to pursue federal charges suggests a hardline approach by authorities in response to the demonstrations.

The details

Hundreds of protestors gathered in downtown LA on Saturday to demonstrate against ICE. The LAPD closed Spring Street between Temple and First Street, and later Alameda Street between Aliso and Temple, due to the demonstrations. Around 9 PM, federal authorities responded after protestors allegedly threw bottles, rocks, and fireworks, deploying tear gas into the crowd. The LAPD then issued a dispersal order and declared the gathering an unlawful assembly. Federal agents were observed on Alameda Street as early as 5:20 PM, and at least one individual was detained and led toward the federal detention center.

  • The LAPD closed Spring Street between Temple and First Street due to the demonstrations.
  • Around 6 PM, Alameda Street between Aliso and Temple was also closed in both directions because protestors were in the roadway.
  • Around 9 PM, federal authorities responded to protestors throwing bottles, rocks, and fireworks by deploying tear gas.
  • At 9:15 PM, the LAPD issued a dispersal order, and by 9:20 PM, declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.
  • Federal agents were observed on Alameda Street as early as 5:20 PM on Saturday evening.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which responded to the protests and declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.

Bill Essayli

First Assistant U.S. Attorney, who stated that federal authorities have authorized probable cause arrests and will pursue federal charges against those who broke the law.

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What they’re saying

“We're not playing. We have surged federal officers to protect our property and our employees. I have authorized probable cause arrests for those who break the law, and they will be charged federally.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney (Social media)

What’s next

The affected streets remained closed as of late Saturday evening as law enforcement continued to clear the area. It is possible that further arrests could be made, and the long-term implications of the protests and law enforcement response remain to be seen.

The takeaway

The deployment of federal agents and the stated intention to pursue federal charges against protestors highlight the escalating tensions between law enforcement and anti-ICE activists in Los Angeles. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing the right to protest with maintaining public order and safety.