Surprise U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps in Downtown Los Angeles prompted fierce pushback from elected officials and protesters, who decried the action as "cruel and unnecessary."

Federal agents carried out large-scale ICE raids across Los Angeles, detaining dozens and sparking tense clashes with protesters in the city’s Fashion District. The LAPD did not take part, and many residents were alarmed to see heavily armed officials operating in a city known as a "sanctuary" for undocumented immigrants.

Clashes in the streets of Los Angeles, as armed federal agents took dozens of people into custody Friday, during a series of sweeping immigration enforcement raids. The sweeps drew harsh criticism from state and local leaders as local law enforcement made it clear they were not involved.