Los Angeles Police officials announced Sunday that anyone entering restricted areas affected by recent immigration-related protests could face immediate arrest and formal booking, following reports that several demonstrators returned to sites already considered hazardous or under investigation, such as downtown LA and Paramount where violent clashes with federal agents occurred over the weekend.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), along with federal authorities and California National Guard troops, have taken measures to enforce no-go zones near areas where unrest has flared. These zones include sections around Slauson Avenue and Alameda Corridor as well as industrial zones where Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted controversial workplace raids last week.
Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Ramirez issued an official press release Sunday morning warning any unauthorized person reentering federal operations and ongoing investigations that they would face arrest and booking should they reenter their area. Anyone trying to re-enter these spaces without authorization, disrupt law enforcement operations or provoke confrontations will be arrested and booked accordingly.”
Police confirmed that 42 individuals have already been detained for disobeying dispersal orders and reentering cordoned-off areas, many of whom were return participants in immigration protests. A number of these people may face misdemeanor charges of unlawful assembly and resisting arrest; others could potentially be charged with interfering in active federal enforcement actions.
Background: Immigration Enforcement Raids and Protests Stir Up Citywide Tensions
This announcement follows several days of rising tensions sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) enforcement operations targeting undocumented workers across Southern California, prompting protests in various neighborhoods such as Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights and Paramount. Protestors accused federal agents of engaging in racial profiling or overreach practices while ICE maintained that its operations were legal and targeted.
Protests erupted into violence over Friday and Saturday across several districts of Baltimore. Protesters clashed with federal officers, set small fires and reportedly hurled projectiles at law enforcement; as a result, tear gas and rubber bullets were deployed as a response. Nearly 120 individuals were arrested across the city, while numerous were treated for injuries as well.
Following the unrest, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops under Title 10 federal authority to Los Angeles under Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, stationing them at key intersections, transit corridors, and federal buildings.
LAPD officials have stressed that their operations are designed to restore calm rather than target peaceful demonstrators. “We respect the right to protest,” stated LAPD spokesperson Laura Park. However, when lawful orders are disobeyed in areas currently under enforcement or review processes for public safety risks we must act quickly to stop further danger to public health and safety.
Community Leaders Request De-escalation
Civil rights organizations have voiced concern about an increase in police policing and potential criminalization of protest. Local advocacy groups are demanding those arrested for nonviolent protest activity be released immediately, prioritizing dialogue over force as a solution.
Monica Alvarez, Director of the LA Justice Collective said it best: “This issue goes far beyond immigration–it encapsulates how state responses to dissent.” “Mass arrests won’t diminish fear felt within communities.
As tensions remain elevated, LAPD announced that restricted areas will remain in effect “until further notice,” and patrols will increase to prevent any further escalation of violence.
At this time, protestors are being advised to remain within designated protest zones and abide by public safety orders in order to avoid legal charges and arrest warrants.