An hourly position between protesters and federal agents erupted Saturday morning as federal officials warned of further immigrant raids to come to Los Angeles.
Conflict near Home Depot at 6400 Alondra Blvd. It escalated into a fiery, turbulent collision. At least one protester was injured, witnesses reported.
The chant of “Fuera Ice” – Ice, leaving – could be heard as a flash-bang rena bullet deployed by federal agents illuminated the scene. The Times Reporter saw one protester gathering garbage bags and light it in the middle of Alondora Boulevard, half a block from where immigration agents gathered.
Sheen said Friday that followed the Los Angeles attack, which led to 44 people arrested on suspicion of immigration violations, leading to another allegedly obstructing justice.
“Federal law enforcement operations are underway as planned in Los Angeles County this weekend,” U.S. Atty said. Bill Essayri said in X as the standoff unfolds. “I urge the public to refrain from interfering in these legal actions. Anyone who interferes with federal agents will face arrest and prosecution.”
In Paramount, an 82% Latinx city, protesters gathered along Alondora Boulevard after US immigrants and customs enforcement officials reported targeting the people at Home Depot, which are commonly gathered for work.
A group of protesters were stationed near the Alondora exit on the 710 Expressway, the second highway gathered by Home Depot.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene around 11am. The department was revealed in a statement that it was “not involved in federal law enforcement operations or actions,” and was present solely to help with traffic and crowd management.
By Saturday afternoon, bright orange shopping carts and blue recycled bins from Home Depot were scattered across the main street. The air was stimulating with smoke.
Federal agents unfolded after a round of flash bangs and pepper balls. Several of the projectiles attacked the protesters, witnesses said.
One woman appears to be bleeding in the protest group, and another man has been treated for the injury.
“There was someone around him throwing bricks. One of the windows shattered and he was knocked unconscious. He seemed to be in pretty bad condition. He said it was unclear whether the man had been attacked by a vehicle, weapon or anything.
Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons, who was present at the scene, said he was unaware of the arrest at Home Depot. She said the conflict appears to have begun after protesters discovered an immigration officer across the street from the business plaza where DHS owns an office. She encouraged the crowd to stay calm to avoid violence.
She said the Department of Homeland Security was said to be targeting Home Depots in the county in search of undocumented residents. However, she had little communication from federal authorities about their actions in the cities she represents. It is about 4.5 square miles and houses around 57,000 people.
“We don’t know what’s going on, what their target is. To think of a growing fear or no consequences from the community doesn’t sound like a good preparation to me,” she said. “More than anything, there’s no communication, things go on a whim. It creates confusion and fear.”
Helicopter footage from the scene showed law enforcement blocking access when it closed the road. Boundary Patrol agents stood side by side. Sheriff’s deputies left the Flash Bang to clear the protester’s highway exit.
The former US service bus approaching location was surrounded by crowds as it left the highway. The protesters kicked the vehicle and pushed it back in an attempt to stop it. It appeared that the agent fired tear gas and pushed the crowd back.
“Ice brought this morning’s fear tactics and masked agents to #paramount in my district this morning,” he said in a post from X, “This is unacceptable. I’m asking for answers and accountability.
Protesters burned the American flag, while others waving the Mexican flag. Some began to line up the main streets with large cement bricks.
Federal officials squealed in an ominous tone.
“Several arrests have already been made for obstructing our business,” said Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI.
Jose Luis Sorature, a California council man who represents the Paramount area, including Home Depot, said he was on his way to a community event when he saw a border police car leaving the highway. He decided to turn around, and saw the protest and stayed.
“You look at the community here and you show that they don’t want them here,” he said as Flashbang goes out nearby.
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