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Not long after a large crowd gathered in downtown Los Angeles for demonstrations, the atmosphere shifted from calm to chaotic, prompting the police to use tear gas.
“The protest has spilled onto the streets. A DISPERSAL ORDER has been issued for everyone in the area between Alameda south of Aliso and north of Temple to leave immediately,” the LAPD announced on X.
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“Members of the crowd are throwing rocks, bricks, bottles, and other items. Less-lethal measures have been authorized. These may cause discomfort and pain. Everyone is advised to leave the area,” another notice stated.
According to Fox News correspondent Christina Coleman, there were glass bottles aimed at officers and reports of gas being deployed across the street from the protest area.
Fox News reported that LAPD, along with LA County sheriff’s deputies and SWAT units, are now present.
Deputies were seen in riot gear on the front lines, as officers declared an unlawful assembly and prepared to use gas.
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Paramount, CA – June 07: In Paramount, police return tear gas to the crowd as protesters block the road and ignite a fire during demonstrations against ICE and immigration raids on June 7, 2025. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Reports from the scene show a significant police presence, with some officers on foot and others on horseback, blocking the crowd in.
Some protesters were also seen clashing with police while chanting “peaceful protest!”
Police noted that “commercial-grade fireworks” were being launched at them during the protest at Temple and Main Street.
Police could be heard using loudspeakers, urging the crowd to disperse.
As tensions escalated, police reportedly fired rubber bullets at demonstrators who hurled rocks and bottles at them near city hall.
Homeland Security issued a warning stating that severe penalties would apply to those who attack law enforcement.
“Violence and intimidation against federal law enforcement will be prosecuted rigorously,” the agency warned on X.
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“These violent rioters are challenging LAW and ORDER,” the statement further emphasized.
Earlier in the day, LA Mayor Karen Bass urged the public to engage in peaceful protests.
“As people march throughout Los Angeles today, I plead with you to avoid giving the Administration an excuse to step in,” Bass stated during a press briefing.
“Let’s showcase the best of L.A. and our nation. Let’s stand in stark contrast to the provocation and violence from this Administration.”
This wave of protests aligns with demonstrations across Los Angeles and the nation on Saturday, June 14, opposing the Trump administration, also coinciding with a military parade in D.C. and the president’s 79th birthday.
The protests follow several days of nationwide outcries against federal immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicles, some with damage, lined up along the 101 freeway after officers removed protesters from the area in Los Angeles, California on June 8, 2025.
(Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna reported on Friday that nearly a dozen deputies sustained injuries amid ongoing protests, as demonstrators hurled rocks, Molotov cocktails, and “high-grade fireworks” at them.
Since Saturday, June 7, the LAPD has conducted over 500 arrests associated with protest activities, according to their report.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has continued to assign blame for the escalating protests to Trump, asserting that they were originally peaceful until the intervention of the National Guard and his rhetoric escalated tensions.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Newsom’s office claimed that the Trump administration “didn’t utilize additional resources available to address their chaos.”
“Let’s be clear: The National Guard was unnecessary in Los Angeles. State and local law enforcement were already responding, and federal agencies didn’t even access the extra resources available to manage their complications. Requesting troops for a protest indicates a basic misunderstanding of public safety protocols — which is quite shocking for someone with prior law enforcement experience.”
Fox News Digital’s Alex Koch, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, and Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covering topics such as missing persons, homicide cases, national crime stories, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
