Hundreds of unruly anti-ICE protesters were locked in a hostile standoff with federal agents outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles Friday.

The mob clashed with officials, who pepper-sprayed the group as it attempted to move closer to the building. Most of the disorderly crowd covered their faces with masks or scarves and some used gas masks. At one point, federal agents deployed what appeared to be tear gas into the crowd to disperse the agitators.

A protester is sprayed by a police officer during an immigration protest. AFP via Getty Images

Aerial view of protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. KABC via Reuters

Protesters take cover behind a red dumpster during clashes with federal police. AP

Protesters demonstrating against U.S. immigration policies in Los Angeles. REUTERS

Protesters, some wearing respirators, flee a cloud of gas. AFP via Getty Images

Protestors push a dumpster to barricade police during an immigration protest. AFP via Getty Images

Some of the aggressors scrawled “F–k ICE” in spray paint along a concrete barrier — others defaced the building. They also piled up a large amount of cardboard and other debris outside the building’s parking structure.

The protesters also pushed a large red dumpster toward the entrance as a shield, but the federal agents held their ground, forcing some to slink away from Roybal.

People protest against US immigration policies outside the Metropolitan Detention Center. KABC via Reuters

A man reacts to being gassed by police during a protest, holding his hand to his face. AFP via Getty Images

Hundreds of unruly anti-ICE protesters were locked in a hostile standoff with federal agents in downtown Los Angeles Friday. AFP via Getty Images

Protesters clash with police during an anti-ICE demonstration. AFP via Getty Images

“Due to multiple large groups of protestors traffic is significantly impacted near Alameda St & 1st St. Please avoid the area. Updates to follow as conditions change,” said the LAPD in a tweet shortly after the chaos started to pick up.

LAPD then made its presence known around 6:30 p.m., deploying officers on the ground and a helicopter overhead telling the agitators to leave the area “immediately.” Officers on the ground armed with shields, helmets and batons moved the crowd away from the federal building at a steady pace.

The protests are a part of a “Nationwide Shutdown” that encouraged “No School. No Work. No Shopping.” in an effort to bring attention to the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security across the country.

Police officers barricaded by garbage and cardboard boxes during a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. AFP via Getty Images

A sign reading “THIS IS WW3, KILL A COP.” David Thompson for California Post

A man is grabbed by his collar by a law enforcement officer while a fellow protestor reaches for him. AFP via Getty Images

The LAPD Central Division continued to provide updates on social media as the crowd was forced away. “Protestors are actively fighting with Officers after multiple dispersal orders were issued. Metropolitan Division is now on scene. Less than lethal has been authorized due to the violence against officers,” one post on X said.

A protester reacts after being tear gassed by federal police. AP

Protesters clash with police during a “National Shutdown” protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles. AFP via Getty Images

“Arrests of violent agitators are now being made after several dispersal orders were issued. Alameda between Aliso and 1st St remains closed due to demonstrators failing to disperse,” a followup tweet said.

The initial mob seemed to be almost totally dispersed before 7 p.m., though some of the disorderly protesters remained on scene.

A demonstrator wearing a mask and holding a speaker protests against police officers in riot gear. REUTERS

LAPD officers and police vehicles gathered at night near the Metropolitan Detention Center. David Thompson/California Post

LAPD officers in riot gear stand on a street at night near protesters and police vehicles with flashing lights. David Thompson/California Post

“Much of the demonstration has dispersed, however, a small group of agitators remains in the area. Alameda between 1st St and Aliso will remain closed. Additional DISPERSAL ORDERS are being issued to those who remain at Alameda and 1st St,” a post from LAPD Central Division said

It’s unclear exactly how many people were arrested.

Los Angeles police fire less lethal rounds at protesters in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. AP

A demonstrator confronts Los Angeles Police Department officers. REUTERS