Tear Gas, Arrests at LA 'No Kings' Protest Near Federal Prison

Confrontation near Metropolitan Detention Center follows months of heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement in the city.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:18am

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Los Angeles police made multiple arrests Saturday evening near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles after a largely peaceful 'No Kings' demonstration turned tense, with authorities reportedly deploying tear gas and bean bag rounds against a crowd of protesters.

Why it matters

Saturday's confrontation unfolded as part of the largest single-day protest in U.S. history, with at least 8 million people gathering at more than 3,300 events across all 50 states. The arrests near a federal detention facility add a significant flashpoint to an otherwise historic day of demonstrations against President Donald Trump's administration.

The details

According to KTLA, the evening standoff began after a peaceful march through downtown Los Angeles, with demonstrators waving flags and carrying signs near Grand Park and L.A. City Hall protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Trump's administration. Authorities established a skirmish line near the intersection of Alameda and Commercial streets before surrounding roughly 150 demonstrators and issuing a dispersal order. Those who refused to leave were arrested.

  • On Saturday evening, a 'No Kings' protest took place in downtown Los Angeles.
  • The confrontation near the Metropolitan Detention Center occurred after a largely peaceful march.

The players

Karen Bass

Los Angeles Mayor.

Bill Essayli

First Assistant U.S. Attorney.

LAPD Central Division

The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division.

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What they’re saying

“Peaceful protest is our constitutional right. When people come together to make their voices heard, that is democracy in action. Please stay safe and look out for one another.”

— Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor

“Federal agents have started arresting those who assaulted our personnel at the Los Angeles courthouse. To those who were smashing concrete blocks and throwing them at our officers, we have you on video. We will find you and arrest you too. You've been warned.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

“Several splinter groups remain in the Civic Center Area hours after the demonstration has concluded. Multiple dispersal orders have been given with multiple arrests being made.”

— LAPD Central Division

What’s next

Federal authorities have indicated they are reviewing video footage from the scene and have signaled further arrests are possible.

The takeaway

This confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters over federal immigration policies, even as the 'No Kings' movement continues to draw massive crowds nationwide to voice their opposition to the Trump administration.