LA Protest Turns Violent: Tear Gas and Clashes Outside Detention Center

Los Angeles Protest Turns Violent as Law Enforcement Disperses Demonstrators with Tear Gas Los Angeles, June 8, 2025 – Tensions escalated sharply today outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, as law enforcement officers clashed with protesters demonstrating against the recent detention of dozens of individuals by federal immigration agents. The protest, which has been ongoing for several days, turned violent when authorities deployed pepper balls, tear gas, and spray to disperse the crowd. Videos circulating on social media show officers in riot gear advancing on protesters, who responded with shouts and attempts to resist. One eyewitness, who asked not to be identified, stated, "It was terrifying. They just started firing pepper balls and tear gas into the crowd without warning." Another protester, Maria Garcia, said, "We're here to protest the injustice of these detentions. They're treating us like animals." The Metropolitan Detention Center is currently under heavy security, and the situation remains volatile. Further developments are expected to unfold in the coming hours and days. The use of force by law enforcement has raised concerns about the handling of protests and the treatment of detainees.