Protesters face off with ICE outside Home Depot in Paramount on Saturday
Federal officials followed multiple immigration raids around Los Angeles on Friday with another action on Saturday morning, this time gathering in a Home Depot parking lot in Paramount.
And once again, protesters turned out in force.
The U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence at the Home Depot at 6400 Alondra Blvd., drew crowds that turned over shopping carts and other objects and lit at least one fire in the street, as federal authorities in riot gear stood by.
The area filled with smoke from tear gas canisters and at least one protester could be seen on the ground bleeding in news footage, though the nature of the injury wasn’t clear.
Demonstrators also threw objects at a U.S. Marshals Service bus and attempted to stop the bus from moving. A few armed federal agents exited the bus and cleared the protesters and the bus continued.
By 1:45 p.m., federal authorities moved most of the demonstrators away from the area. Authorities also closed the Alondra Boulevard off-ramps from 710 Freeway, and CHP vehicles were blocking the on-ramps to prevent protesters from walking onto the freeway.
“ICE has brought their terror tactics and masked agents to #Paramount this morning — in my district,” Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Los Angeles, wrote on X. “This is unacceptable. We will demand answers and accountability. For those out there – please stay safe, protest peacefully, and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.”
In a statement on Saturday, ICE acting director Todd M. Lyons wrote, “What took place in Los Angeles (Friday) was appalling. As rioters attacked federal ICE and law enforcement officers on the LA streets, Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement.
“Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered, as over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building. It took over two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond, despite being called multiple times. The brave men and women of ICE were in Los Angeles arresting criminal illegal aliens including gang members, drug traffickers and those with a history of assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery, and smuggling.
“These violent rioters will be held accountable if they harm federal officers, and make no mistake, ICE will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens. Sanctuary politicians would do well to remember that impeding our efforts only endangers their communities, law enforcement officers, and the detainees they claim to support.”
Also on Saturday, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino warned that some protesters could be prosecuted following Friday’s disturbances in downtown Los Angeles in response to the raids.
“The right to assemble and protest does not include a license to attack law enforcement officers, or to impede and obstruct our lawful immigration operations,” Bongino wrote on X. “We are thoroughly reviewing the evidence from yesterday’s incident in Los Angeles and we are working with the US Attorney’s Office to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The days of chaos ruling the streets are over,” Bongino said. “Either obey the law, or go to jail, there’s no third option.”
He added later in the day, “Multiple arrests have already been made for obstructing our operations. More are coming. We are pouring through the videos for more perpetrators. You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs.”
It was not clear if any day laborers, who frequently gather at Home Depots seeking work, were taken into custody on Saturday.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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