A protest is underway after a large crowd of people clashed with federal agents in Paramount, California, Saturday morning.
Tear gas and flashbangs went off in Paramount on Saturday after a large crowd of people clashed with federal agents.
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WATCH HEREPeople were seen chanting and yelling, walking through the streets near a Home Depot on the 6400 block of Alondra Boulevard.
Several flash bangs were being thrown into the street. It was unclear if they were being thrown by the agents or by protesters.
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SIGN UP LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said that the sheriff's department has over 100 deputies in the area and are asking for more assistance to make sure that they maintain the peace.
According to Luna, protesters were throwing objects at the federal agents who were at the location down the street from the sheriff’s department.
However, deputies with the LASD were not asked to assist. Luna added that as the crowd grew, more property was destroyed.
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"We did have to broadcast an unlawful assembly and our desire is for everyone who's out here to disperse peacefully without any violence without any destruction of property," said Luna.
In a social media post, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that federal law enforcement officials "faced off with violent anti-ICE rioters" on Saturday.
"Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered — over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building. The Trump administration will pursue charges for any protestor who attacks a federal agent, officer or official," the post continued.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a social media post on Saturday that federal law enforcement operations were proceeding as planned this weekend in Los Angeles County.
“I urge the public to refrain from interfering with these lawful actions. Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution,” Essayli said.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
