ICE Protesters Turn Violent in L.A.
Several people described by police as “violent agitators” were arrested in Los Angeles after demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement spiraled into chaos, forcing authorities to issue dispersal orders across parts of the city. What began as part of a nationwide wave of “ICE Out Everywhere” protests quickly escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, vandalism, and fires, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The LAPD said officers were met with projectiles as the situation deteriorated. Protesters allegedly threw water bottles and other objects at police, and one suspect was accused of using a slingshot to launch hard metal objects directly at officers. Police described the crowd as “actively fighting” with law enforcement, a characterization that underscored the rapid shift from protest to disorder.
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. https://t.co/7U2n7cZ2od
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) January 31, 2026
“We had hoped that demonstrations today would be peaceful,” the LAPD Central Division said in a post on X. “However, as you can see in this video, the violent agitators invited LAPD due to their actions.” Video released by authorities appeared to show a dense crowd surrounding a dumpster that had been vandalized with graffiti, including the words “f**k ICE,” before being set on fire.
As the group moved through city streets, police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and issued multiple traffic advisories. Fox News reported that thousands of protesters initially gathered outside City Hall before many marched toward a federal detention center. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass later said five individuals were arrested for failing to disperse, though police did not immediately confirm the total number of arrests.
⚠️Community Advisory⚠️
Officers have arrested a suspect who was allegedly using a sling shot to shoot hard metal objects at officers who were standing on the line.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) January 31, 2026
In an effort to regain control, officers deployed pepper balls and tear gas to break up the crowd. Mayor Bass urged demonstrators to avoid further escalation, emphasizing that peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution. “I urge Angelenos to exercise that right safely and not give this administration an excuse to escalate,” she wrote, adding that “Los Angeles stands together.”
⚠️UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY⚠️
An Unlawful Assembly has been issued by the Incident Commander at 1st St and Main St.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) January 31, 2026
The protests in Los Angeles came amid heightened tensions nationwide following two deadly encounters involving federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this month. Renee Nicole Good, 37, was fatally shot on January 7 after an ICE officer allegedly fired when she attempted to ram agents with her SUV. The officer involved, Jonathan Ross, reportedly suffered internal bleeding after being struck by the vehicle.
Peaceful protest is a constitutional right. I urge Angelenos to exercise that right safely and not give this administration an excuse to escalate.
Los Angeles stands together.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 31, 2026
A second incident occurred on January 24, when Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed after approaching Customs and Border Protection officers while carrying a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and two magazines. The Department of Homeland Security said it was unclear whether the weapon was brandished, though The Associated Press later confirmed that two federal officers fired Glock pistols during the encounter.
