On Saturday night, police declared an unlawful assembly and issued a dispersal order for a small portion of downtown Los Angeles next to the Metropolitan Detention Center where protesters from the “No Kings Day” protests had gathered.
Tense clashes broke out between police and crowds in the area of Alameda and Aliso streets, with protesters accusing law enforcement of raising tensions amid peaceful daytime demonstrations.
“A dispersal order has been ordered for the area of Alameda between Aliso and Temple… All persons in the area of Alameda and Aliso/Commercial must leave the area,” the LAPD posted on social media at 6:55 p.m. “All persons in the area have 15 minutes to comply. If you remain in the area, you may be subject to arrest or other police action.”
The day's protests, which drew crowds in Southern California and across the country, made direct criticism of President Trump's actions on transgender rights, foreign policy, the federal government shutdown, college funding and other issues. Protesters also opposed pressure from the White House to deport immigrants without legal authorization to be in the United States through raids in American cities, including Los Angeles. The Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility, has become a focal point of anti-ICE sentiment.
On Saturday, tensions escalated around 7 p.m., after the LAPD declared the assembly illegal and began pressuring a line of protesters outside the facility. Police fired multiple non-lethal rounds, used tear gas and brought in a fleet of horses in an attempt to push back the crowd.
By 8:30 p.m., protesters had largely abandoned their post near the detention center as police attempted to reestablish a line on the street in front of the federal building.
As of 9 p.m., Los Angeles police had reported no arrests.
