‘Unlawful Assembly’ Declared Amid Los Angeles ICE Protests—Police

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Division has declared an “unlawful assembly” on Sunday afternoon during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in downtown LA.

The declaration came just before 3 p.m. local time in the area of Alameda Street between Temple and Aliso streets, with police ordering all demonstrators to leave or face arrest.

Newsweek has reached out to the LAPD via email on Sunday for comment.

Why It Matters

The Trump administration has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, some of which have swept up individuals with proper documentation.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday evening that he had authorized the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after reported violence against law enforcement, specifically, ICE agents carrying out deportation raids in the city.

While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have erupted amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency “categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles.”

The raids in Paramount, Los Angeles County, followed similar action in locations through other parts of the city on Friday, during which police arrested at least 44 people. Some protesters have thrown rocks at officers, with one allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail, and burning items in the streets. Police responded with tear gas.

The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority.

Why the National Guard Was Called

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem directly blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the federal government’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to assist with violent clashes between police and immigration protesters in Los Angeles.

The deployment came after reports of significant violence against law enforcement, including officers sustaining injuries from bricks thrown through vehicle windows, vehicles being burned, and Molotov cocktails being thrown at personnel conducting ICE operations.

Noem criticized Newsom’s handling of the situation during an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation, arguing that proper state-level response could have prevented the escalation. She emphasized that the 2,000 National Guard soldiers are specifically trained for crowd control situations and will provide security around federal buildings while supporting both peaceful protesters and law enforcement officers.

The federal intervention represents a sharp disagreement between state and federal authorities over jurisdiction and necessity. Newsom has maintained that local authorities are capable of handling the situation and accused Trump of deliberately inflaming tensions through the deployment.

What To Know

The situation escalated rapidly as LAPD authorized the use of less lethal munitions and issued dispersal orders.

Police warned on X, formerly Twitter, that anyone throwing items at officers would be detained and arrested, while also announcing that the city was on tactical alert. Multiple arrests were reported as law enforcement moved to clear protest areas.

Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Saturday evening, citing violence against law enforcement during immigration protests. The troops arrived Sunday morning and have been positioned at federal buildings, including the Civic Center area, according to LAPD Central Division.

The president invoked 10 U.S.C. 12406, a provision within Title 10 that allows federal deployment of National Guard forces when there is “rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.” His order stated that violent protests constitute “a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.”

The protests began in response to ICE raids in Paramount and other parts of Los Angeles County, with at least 44 arrests made Friday. Demonstrators have gathered near federal facilities amid reports that detainees were being held in a federal building basement—allegations ICE has categorically denied.

When asked on Sunday about potentially invoking the Insurrection Act, Trump indicated current conditions don’t meet that threshold but emphasized his administration will not tolerate violence against federal personnel.

Police also issued warnings for people to avoid MTA train areas, stating that anyone remaining on the tracks would be subject to arrest. Roads near the federal detention center and federal courts building were closed as demonstrations continued for a third consecutive day.

What People Are Saying

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Face the Nation on Sunday: “If he [Newsom] was doing his job, people wouldn’t have gotten hurt the last couple of days. We wouldn’t have officers with a shattered wrist from bricks thrown through their vehicles, vehicles being burned, flags burned in the street and Molotov cocktails being thrown.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X on Sunday: “I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command. We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty—inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California.”

Border czar Tom Homan on Fox News on Saturday said: “We’re already mobilizing. We’re gonna bring the National Guard in tonight and we’re gonna continue doing our job. This is about enforcing the law.”

He added: “American people, this is about enforcing the law, and again, we’re not going to apologize for doing it.”

President Donald Trump on Truth Social wrote on Saturday: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on X on Sunday: “We will always protect the constitutional right for Angelenos to peacefully protest. However, violence, destruction and vandalism will not be tolerated in our City and those responsible will be held fully accountable.”

LAPD Central Division on X on Sunday: “Officers are reporting that people in the crowd are throwing concrete, bottles and other objects. Arrests are being initiated. A DISPERSAL ORDER has been issued for the area of Alameda and Temple. Those at Alameda and Temple must leave the area.”

What Happens Next?

Protesters have gathered for a third day as law enforcement continues to ramp up its operations.