Immigration Protests in Los Angeles Lead to One Arrest and Injuries to Seven Officers
Protests advocating for immigration reform took place in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday, resulting in one arrest, nine crime reports, and minor injuries to seven LAPD officers, officials reported during a Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
On Monday night, 200 demonstrators were detained but were later released with warnings. Officers used eight less-lethal rounds on Sunday and 16 on Monday, according to LAPD Deputy Chief Daniel Randolph. No protester injuries were reported, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed.
The protests were aimed at demanding immigration reform and opposing mass deportations promised under the Trump administration.
Law Enforcement Response
LAPD Deputy Chief Randolph reaffirmed the department’s stance on protests, stating, “The Los Angeles Police Department fully recognizes and respects the rights of individuals to peacefully protest. However, when demonstrations escalate into unlawful behavior, including vandalism, violence, and threats to public safety, the department will take decisive actions to restore order.”
An estimated 3,000 protesters gathered throughout downtown on Sunday, breaking into smaller groups before reuniting at City Hall and on the 101 Freeway. At approximately 5:20 p.m., police declared an unlawful assembly after California Highway Patrol officers were struck by objects thrown by the crowd. Mobile Field Force teams were deployed to disperse the demonstrators.
Seven crime reports were filed Sunday, including four cases of vandalism involving police vehicles, one case of vandalism on an MTA bus, an assault with a deadly weapon, and an incident involving a laser being pointed at officers. Some police vehicles had their tires slashed.
One individual was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, though no further details were immediately available.
Monday's Protest Escalations
Protesters regrouped at City Hall around 9 a.m. Monday, with about 600 people marching through downtown by mid-morning. Around 12:25 p.m., incidents of property vandalism were reported along Figueroa Street between Temple Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue. Later in the afternoon, protesters conducted vehicle burnouts and set off fireworks on Spring Street, prompting law enforcement to call for additional resources.
By 4:45 p.m., demonstrators began throwing objects at officers, leading to dispersal orders. Officers pushed the crowd along Main Street back toward Cesar Chavez Avenue, where approximately 200 protesters were detained in a tunnel. They were released in pairs after receiving warnings.
No arrests were made during Monday’s demonstrations, but police recorded two incidents—one involving assault with a deadly weapon and another of vandalism to a police vehicle.
Ongoing Demonstrations
On Tuesday, student protesters continued to march and chant through downtown. As of 5 p.m., no major incidents had been reported.
