Monday, June 09, 2025

Photos: Protesters confront federal agents, set fires in downtown L.A.

National Guard troops faced off with protesters in Los Angeles as tear gas was fired at a growing crowd outside a federal complex hours after the federal troops arrived in the city on President Donald Trump’s orders. The confrontation broke out Sunday in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles as a group of demonstrators shouted insults at members of the guard lined shoulder to shoulder behind plastic riot shields. Around 300 National Guard troops had arrived early Sunday on orders from President Donald Trump following two days of clashes with immigration authorities.

By midday, hundreds had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where people were detained after earlier immigration raids. Protesters directed chants of “shame” and “go home” at members of the National Guard, who stood shoulder to shoulder, carrying long guns and riot shields.

After some protesters closely approached the guard members, another set of uniformed officers advanced on the group, shooting smoke-filled canisters into the street.

Minutes later, the Los Angeles Police Department fired rounds of crowd-control munitions to disperse the protesters, who they said were assembled unlawfully. Much of the group then moved to block traffic on the 101 freeway until California Highway Patrol officers cleared them from the roadway by late afternoon.

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