Trump Admin Declares ‘Unlawful Assembly’ as LA Protesters, Marines Clash

By

Jenna Sundel is a Newsweek reporter based in New Jersey. Her focus is reporting on breaking news. She has in-depth knowledge of crime and courts. Jenna joined Newsweek in 2024. She previously worked at The Messenger. She is a graduate of Montclair State University. You can find her on X @jennajournalist. You can get in touch with Jenna by emailing [email protected]. Languages: English.

Jenna Sundel
and

Gabe Whisnant is a Breaking News Editor at Newsweek based in North Carolina. Prior to joining Newsweek in 2023, he directed daily publications in North and South Carolina. As an executive editor, Gabe led award-winning coverage of Charleston church shooter Dylan Roof’s capture in 2015, along with coverage of the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. You can get in touch with Gabe by emailing [email protected]. Find him on Twitter @GabeWhisnant.

Gabe Whisnant

Reporter (Live News)

🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

Protesters of U.S. immigration tactics clashed with authorities during a July Fourth demonstration on the streets of Los Angeles.

“Demonstrators are confronting Federal Protective Security Personnel and National Guard members,” the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said on X, formerly Twitter.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Newsweek that local police issued a dispersal order.

“On the evening of July 4, demonstrators turned violent and began throwing objects at Federal Protective Service [FPS] and United States Marines who were simply doing their job of guarding a federal building,” the spokesperson said. “Fortunately, this time, no injuries were reported, but this is just another case of the assault and attacks against our federal law enforcement as they simply enforce our nations laws.”

Why It Matters

Los Angeles has made headlines for several recent immigration protests. On June 6, protesters resisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ raids, spurring President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines to respond, against the wishes of Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom.

What To Know

Demonstrators gathered around 9:30 a.m. outside City Hall and took a 1.5-mile route through downtown, KCAL News reported. The protesters stopped outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building along Alameda Street about 3 p.m. “No more occupation! No more deportation!” the protesters chanted, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Military personnel guarded the federal building, which houses the immigration court, with shields and guns, the outlet reported. Police said less lethal munitions were deployed by federal authorities.

The LAPD said the crowd had scattered at 10:17 p.m. after the incident commander authorized a dispersal order for the area.

Anthony Cabassa, an independent journalist covering the protest, posted on X, formerly Twitter, “U.S. Marines and federal agents have now dawned [sic] riot gear to include gas masks, as they order the crowd to disperse immediately.”

In a separate post, Cabassa posted, “Altercations break out between protestors and federal agents and U.S. Marines, as a DHS van attempts to enter the federal building garage, but is surrounded by protestors. Tensions are very high, and protest size is growing as the sun sets.”

What People Are Saying

The LAPD, on X: “Less Lethal munitions have been deployed by Federal authorities. Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort. Please avoid the area.”

What Happens Next

The LAPD said Alameda Street is closed between 1st and Aliso Streets as the remainder of the demonstrators vacate the area. Police said all lanes of traffic are affected.

Update 7/4/25, 11:53 p.m.: This article was updated with further information.

Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact [email protected].

Slide Circle to Vote

No
Moderately
Yes

VOTE