May Day protests ramp up in LA as agitators descend on federal building

Downtown Los Angeles is experiencing significant traffic congestion and rising tensions as May Day demonstrators have taken to the streets near a federal building, blocking lanes and engaging with law enforcement on Friday.

The Los Angeles Police Department has issued an emergency alert, reporting that protesters have closed two southbound lanes on Alameda Street between Temple and Aliso streets, leaving only one lane open for traffic.

Authorities have declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, causing traffic to slow to a crawl.

The California Post was informed by police that they are managing a large and “unruly” group.

Some agitators have been using vulgar and hostile language towards officers, including chants of “F–K DHS!” as tensions have increased.

Demonstrators have been lining the sidewalks and moving into the streets with megaphones, occasionally halting vehicles.

Some protesters are waving Palestinian flags, while others are wearing hoods and masks, chanting “ICE out of LA” in protest against federal immigration enforcement.

This protest is part of a wider May Day mobilization expected to attract thousands of workers, union members, and activists throughout the city.

Organizers have encouraged participants to engage in an “economic blackout,” advising people to refrain from work, school, and shopping activities.

The main rally is set to kick off at 10 a.m. at MacArthur Park, followed by a march to Grand Park after a series of speeches.

Labor and immigrant rights organizations emphasize that these demonstrations commemorate International Workers’ Day, with similar events planned across California advocating for expanded worker protections and immigration reform.

Many demonstrators are carrying signs with anti-ICE messages, as well as anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian slogans, as the protest evolves from an organized rally into a more chaotic street demonstration.

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