Chaos Erupts as Anti-ICE Rioters Clash With Police, Feds in Downtown Los Angeles [WATCH]

Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters were involved in a hostile standoff with federal agents outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, as disorder broke out near the federal complex.

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The confrontation unfolded as a large crowd gathered outside the building and attempted to move closer to the entrance.

Federal agents responded by deploying pepper spray against the group as the protesters pressed forward. Many in the crowd covered their faces with masks or scarves, while some wore gas masks during the confrontation.

As tensions escalated, federal agents also deployed what appeared to be tear gas into the crowd in an effort to disperse the demonstrators.

The use of chemical agents prompted portions of the crowd to retreat from the immediate area surrounding the building.

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Several individuals in the group vandalized property near the federal facility.

Some scrawled “F**k ICE” in spray paint along a concrete barrier, while others defaced the exterior of the building.

Protesters also piled large amounts of cardboard and other debris outside the building’s parking structure.

At one point, protesters pushed a large red dumpster toward the entrance of the building and attempted to use it as a shield while advancing.

BREAKING: The Los Angeles ICE facility has been TOTALLY TRASHED by rioters, who have now used a large dumpster to barricade the exit

SEND IN BOVINO AND HIS MEN!

They’ll shut this bullsh*t down QUICKLY. pic.twitter.com/jFh3TEG8WR

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 31, 2026

Federal agents held their position, forcing some protesters to retreat away from the Roybal Federal Building.

Traffic disruptions were reported as the situation developed. The Los Angeles Police Department issued a public advisory as the protest intensified.

“Due to multiple large groups of protestors traffic is significantly impacted near Alameda St & 1st St. Please avoid the area. Updates to follow as conditions change,” the LAPD said in a post on X shortly after the disorder escalated.

Due to multiple large groups of protestors traffic is significantly impacted near Alameda St & 1st St. Please avoid the area. Updates to follow as conditions change.

— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) January 31, 2026

By approximately 6:30 p.m., LAPD officers moved into the area in greater numbers.

Officers were deployed on the ground, and a helicopter flew overhead, issuing instructions for the crowd to leave the area immediately.

Officers equipped with shields, helmets, and batons advanced and began moving the crowd away from the federal building at a steady pace.

The demonstration was part of a broader effort described by organizers as a “Nationwide Shutdown.”

Participants encouraged “No School. No Work. No Shopping.” as a means of drawing attention to the activities of the Department of Homeland Security across the country.

As officers continued clearing the area, LAPD Central Division provided ongoing updates on social media regarding conditions on the ground and law enforcement actions.

“Protestors are actively fighting with Officers after multiple dispersal orders were issued.

Metropolitan Division is now on scene. Less than lethal has been authorized due to the violence against officers,” one post stated.

Additional updates followed as officers continued enforcing dispersal orders and securing nearby streets.

“Arrests of violent agitators are now being made after several dispersal orders were issued. Alameda between Aliso and 1st St remains closed due to demonstrators failing to disperse,” a subsequent post said.

⚠️Community Advisory⚠️

Arrests of violent agitators are now being made after several dispersal orders were issued.

Alameda between Aliso and 1st St remains closed due to demonstrators failing to disperse.

— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) January 31, 2026

Authorities reported that the main body of the crowd was largely dispersed before 7 p.m., though a smaller group of protesters remained in the area after the initial clearing.

“Much of the demonstration has dispersed, however, a small group of agitators remains in the area. Alameda between 1st St and Aliso will remain closed. Additional DISPERSAL ORDERS are being issued to those who remain at Alameda and 1st St,” LAPD Central Division said in another update.

⚠️Community Advisory⚠️

Much of the demonstration has dispersed, however, a small group of agitators remains in the area.

Alameda between 1st St and Aliso will remain closed. Additional DISPERSAL ORDERS are being issued to those who remain at Alameda and 1st St.

You have…

— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) January 31, 2026

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