Police declared an unlawful assembly on Saturday evening and issued a dispersal order for a small portion of downtown Los Angeles near the Metropolitan Detention Center. This followed the convergence of demonstrators participating in the “No Kings Day” protests.
Tense standoffs took place between police and the crowd around the intersection of Alameda Street and Aliso Street. Demonstrators accused law enforcement of escalating tensions amid what had been peaceful rallies during the daytime.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) posted on social media at 6:55 p.m.: “A dispersal order for the area of Alameda between Aliso and Temple has been ordered. All persons in the area of Alameda and Aliso/Commercial must leave the area. All persons in the area have 15 minutes to comply. If you remain in the area you may be subject to arrest or other police action.”
The day’s protests drew large crowds across Southern California and nationwide. Participants voiced pointed critiques of President Trump’s actions regarding transgender rights, foreign policy, the federal government shutdown, university funding, and other issues. Protesters also opposed the White House’s push to deport immigrants without legal authorization by organizing raids in U.S. cities, including Los Angeles.
The Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility, has become a focal point for anti-ICE sentiment. On Saturday evening, tensions escalated around 7 p.m. after the LAPD declared the unlawful assembly and began pressing a line of protesters outside the facility. Police deployed multiple nonlethal rounds, used tear gas, and brought in a fleet of mounted officers in an attempt to push back the crowds.
By 8:30 p.m., protesters had largely dispersed from the area near the detention center, while police sought to reestablish a line on the street in front of the federal building. As of 9 p.m., the LAPD reported no arrests.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-10-18/police-declare-unlawful-assembly-no-kings-day-nonlethal-rounds
