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US immigration authorities extended their activity in the Los Angeles area on Saturday (local time) in the wake of protests at a federal detention facility and a police response that included tear gas, flash-bangs and the arrest of a union leader.
Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stood guard outside an industrial park in the city of Paramount, deploying tear gas as bystanders and protesters gathered on medians and across the street, some jeering at authorities while recording the events on smartphones.
“ICE out of Paramount. We see you for what you are,” a woman said through a megaphone. “You are not welcome here.”
One handheld sign said: “No Human Being is Illegal.”
The boulevard was closed to traffic as Border Patrol officers circulated through the area. ICE representatives did not respond immediately to email inquiries about weekend enforcement activities.
Demonstrators shout and film at police during a protest in the Paramount section of Los Angeles.Credit: AP
The immigration arrests in Los Angeles came as President Donald Trump and his administration push to fulfil promises of mass deportations across the country.
On Friday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested more than 40 people while executing search warrants at multiple locations, including outside a clothing warehouse where a tense scene unfolded as a crowd tried to block agents from driving away.
Law enforcement stand with weapons raised towards the protesters.Credit: AP
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the activity was meant to “sow terror” in the nation’s second-largest city.
In a statement, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons chided Bass for the city’s response to protests.
“Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement,” Lyons said. “Make no mistake, ICE will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens.”
Protesters gathered late on Friday outside a federal detention centre in Los Angeles where lawyers said those arrested had been taken, chanting, “Set them free, let them stay!”
A protester throws a rock amidst a cloud of tear gas released by law enforcement.Credit: AP
Some held signs that said, “ICE out of LA!” or scrawled graffiti on the building.
Federal agents carried out the search warrants at three locations including the fashion district warehouse after a judge found probable cause that the employer was using fictitious documents for some of its workers, according to representatives for Homeland Security Investigations and the US Attorney’s Office.
Advocates for immigrant rights say people were detained by immigration authorities outside Home Depot stores and a doughnut shop.
AP
