On Saturday evening, Los Angeles police declared an unlawful assembly during a protest near the Metropolitan Detention Center. The protest was part of the “No Kings Day” demonstrations, which had gathered momentum throughout the day.
Details of the Unlawful Assembly
As tensions escalated, police instructed demonstrators to disperse from the area surrounding Alameda Street and Aliso Street. The LAPD issued a statement via social media at 6:55 p.m., informing the crowd, “All persons in the area of Alameda between Aliso and Temple must leave. You have 15 minutes to comply.” Failure to leave could lead to arrest or other police actions.
Protest Context and Concerns
The day of protests attracted large crowds across Southern California and nationwide. Demonstrators expressed their concerns over various issues, including:
- President Trump’s policies on transgender rights
- The federal government shutdown
- University funding
- Immigration enforcement and deportations
Many protesters criticized the White House’s aggressive stance on unauthorized immigration, particularly in cities like Los Angeles.
Tensions Rise at the Protest
By around 7 p.m., confrontations intensified between the police and protesters outside the detention center. In an effort to manage the crowd, police deployed nonlethal rounds and tear gas, and brought in mounted units to push back the demonstrators.
Aftermath of the Protest
Protesters largely dispersed by 8:30 p.m., moving away from the detention center as police attempted to restore order outside the federal building. As of 9 p.m., no arrests had been reported by the LAPD.
