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

There’s gridlock and tension in downtown Los Angeles as May Day demonstrators flooded streets near a federal building Friday, blocking lanes and confronting law enforcement.

The Los Angeles Police Department issued an emergency alert as protesters shut down two southbound lanes on Alameda Street between Temple and Aliso streets, leaving just one lane open.

An unlawful assembly was declared by authorities, bringing traffic to a crawl.

Police told The California Post they were dealing with a large, “unruly” group.

Agitators hurled vulgar and hostile language at officers, including the chant “F–K DHS!” as tensions escalated.

Demonstrators lined sidewalks and repeatedly moved into the street with megaphones, at times stopping vehicles.

Some waved Palestinian flags, while others wore hoods and masks, chanting “ICE out of LA” in opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

The disruption came as part of a broader May Day mobilization expected to draw thousands of workers, union members and activists across the city.

Organizers urged supporters to join an “economic blackout,” encouraging people to skip work, school and shopping.

The main rally was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at MacArthur Park, followed by a march to Grand Park after a speaking program.

Labor and immigrant rights groups said the demonstrations mark International Workers’ Day, with similar events planned across California calling for expanded worker protections and immigration reform.

Many signs carried by demonstrators featured anti-ICE messages, along with anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian slogans, as the protest shifted from an organized rally into a chaotic street scene.

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