The tear gas came first, followed by arrests, shouted insults, and riot shields flashing in the Los Angeles sun. What began as a protest quickly unraveled.

Hours earlier, Rep. Maxine Waters had led chants of “ICE out of L.A.” The gathering was meant to mourn two deaths and confront federal power.

Waters’ appearance transformed a local demonstration into a national flashpoint. She framed the crowd as citizens defending constitutional rights.

As tensions rose, pepper balls and gas drifted through the air. Protesters scattered while others pressed closer to the detention center.

Police later declared an unlawful assembly. Officials reported rocks and metal objects thrown at officers as crowds blocked streets and loading docks.

Tactical units moved in as dumpsters were pushed into place and thousands clogged the surrounding area, turning the scene chaotic.

Mayor Karen Bass urged restraint while acknowledging public anger over immigration enforcement. She warned that violence only strengthens federal crackdowns.

Citing arrests, possible military involvement, and broader prosecutions, Bass called the moment a test of whether democracy can endure when protest and policing collide.