Downtown LA "ICE Out" Protest: Arrests Made, Mayor Bass Voices Concerns

Mayor Karen Bass addressed the media on Friday evening following an "ICE Out" protest in downtown Los Angeles. A smaller group of protesters engaged with law enforcement after an otherwise peaceful demonstration.

Protest Details and Arrests

Approximately 150 individuals remained near Alameda Street between Aliso and 1st Street by 7:30 p.m. Los Angeles police issued multiple dispersal orders and declared an unlawful assembly, leading to the arrest of up to five people for failure to disperse.

Mayor Bass on Don Lemon and Democracy

The protest originated as part of a national day of action against federal immigration operations. Mayor Bass stated that additional individuals joined the protest due to the arrest of former CNN journalist Don Lemon in the city.

Bass characterized Lemon's arrest for performing his job as an "egregious misuse of our justice system" and expressed concerns about the erosion of democracy.

Emphasis on Peaceful Demonstrations

Bass affirmed her support for protests but emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful demonstrations to avoid vandalism, which she stated harms the city without impacting the administration effectively.

She warned that if protests become violent, it could lead to the military re-entering the city.

Confrontation and Escalation

Video footage indicated an escalation when a group of protesters interacted with federal agents behind the federal detention center. Protesters were observed throwing objects at federal agents and moving what appeared to be a shipping container. Federal officers subsequently deployed tear gas, and Los Angeles police moved the group away from the building.