Protesters of U.S. immigration tactics clashed with authorities during a July Fourth demonstration on the streets of Los Angeles.
“Demonstrators are confronting Federal Protective Security Personnel and National Guard members,” the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said on X, formerly Twitter.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the LAPD outside normal business hours for comment.
Why It Matters
Los Angeles has made headlines for several recent immigration protests. On June 6, protesters resisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ raids, spurring President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines to respond, against the wishes of Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Associated Press
What To Know
Demonstrators gathered around 9:30 a.m. outside City Hall and took a 1.5-mile route through downtown, KCAL News reported. The protesters stopped outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building along Alameda Street about 3 p.m. “No more occupation! No more deportation!” the protesters chanted, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Military personnel guarded the federal building, which houses the immigration court, with shields and guns, the outlet reported. Police said less lethal munitions were deployed by federal authorities.
The LAPD said the crowd had scattered at 10:17 p.m. after the incident commander authorized a dispersal order for the area.
Anthony Cabassa, an independent journalist covering the protest, posted on X, formerly Twitter, “DHS Police have declared the protest an unlawful assembly, U.S. Marines and federal agents have now dawned [sic] riot gear to include gas masks, as they order the crowd to disperse immediately.”
BREAKING 🚨: DHS Police have declared the protest an unlawful assembly, U.S. Marines and federal agents have now dawned riot gear to include gas masks, as they order the crowd to disperse immediately. pic.twitter.com/lT2JnYU7rQ
— Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) July 5, 2025
In a separate post, Cabassa posted, “Altercations break out between protestors and federal agents and U.S. Marines, as a DHS van attempts to enter the federal building garage, but is surrounded by protestors. Tensions are very high, and protest size is growing as the sun sets.”
Los Angeles, CA 🚨: Altercations break out between protestors and federal agents and U.S. Marines, as a DHS van attempts to enter the federal building garage, but is surrounded by protestors.
Tensions are very high, and protest size is growing as the sun sets. pic.twitter.com/vO9EAHY3Gx
— Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) July 5, 2025
What People Are Saying
LAPD, on X: “Less Lethal munitions have been deployed by Federal authorities. Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort. Please avoid the area.”
What Happens Next
The LAPD said Alameda Street is closed between 1st and Aliso Streets as the remainder of the demonstrators vacate the area. Police said all lanes of traffic are affected.
Update 07/04/25, 11:53 p.m.: This article was updated with further information.
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