A peaceful demonstration protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) turned violent when a 17-year-old protester was stabbed during an attack near Los Angeles’ City Hall. On February 7 in Grand Park, the attack increased concerns about security at public protests following increased tension over immigration policies.
The victim, a 17-year-old Hispanic male, was shot and badly hurt during a brawl with a fellow minor during a demonstration. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby medical complex, and he is in critical condition.
Police have apprehended a male youth in relation to the attack, but it is not yet determined if he took part in the demonstration himself. The attack is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), including motive and whether a specific reaction to the demonstration was involved in the altercation.
The protest, one in a series of protests about President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, namely the administration’s bulk deportations and expansion of powers for ICE, saw high student turnout for its sixth consecutive day, with students marching between Olvera Street and City Hall and even closing parts of the 101 Freeway.
Bearing signs and slogans such as “We Are Not Criminals” and “The real criminal is in the White House,” the protesters demonstrated against aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. Witnesses described the protest as peaceful in general until a stabbing occurred, sending the crowd into panic. In response to heightened demonstration and public disorder, the LAPD labelled the demonstration an “unlawful assembly” and told the group to disperse. The surrounding area of Grand Park was temporarily shut down for investigation, with a conspicuous presence of law enforcement in an effort to prevent additional unrest.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass denounced the incident in a statement, re-affirming the city’s support for peaceful protests but not for any act of violence. “Los Angeles stands for free expression and peaceful assembly. Violence in any form will not be tolerated, and we will make certain that justice is served,” Bass said.
Despite the violent attack, protests about immigration policies continued at the weekend. Leaders re-affirmed a commitment to peaceful protests, and appealed for authorities to make participants safe. Public reaction has been double-edged, with some calling for increased security at protests, and others concerned that the attack will be an excuse for further clampdowns at protests.
As the inquiry continues, more details regarding the victim and the suspect will be revealed soon, say officials. Meanwhile, legal experts caution that heightened tension regarding immigration policy may lead to further clashes, and thus both protest leaders and law enforcers need to join hands in a bid to maintain public safety.
