Pasadena officials canceled recreation activities at local parks Saturday after reports of federal immigration enforcement efforts in the city.
Officials cancelled swim lessons and other programs at Villa Parke, Robinson Park and Victory Park “out of an abundance of caution after seeing social media posts of what appears to be federal enforcement activity at Villa Parke (Saturday) morning and the potential escalation of conflict that unannounced federal enforcement activity causes,” according to a statement posted on X.
The move came a day after additional protests against federal immigration enforcement operations turned violent, this time in Maywood and Bell.
In an X post Friday, U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that protesters “violently targeted” Border Patrol vehicles “during lawful operations.”
One vehicle allegedly was rammed on Atlantic Boulevard and had its tires slashed, according to the department. On Slauson Avenue, “a civilian struck a federal vehicle, totaling it. The driver was arrested for suspicion of vehicular assault as a mob formed and slashed additional tires,” the statement said.
“LAPD, LAFD, (U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations) teams, and Border Patrol Special Operations responded and restored order. One suspect is in custody and will be presented to U.S. Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department patrols Maywood, and Bell has its own police department. The Los Angeles police and fire departments do not operate in those cities.
According to published reports, federal agents used chemical irritants or smoke bombs against a small group of protesters in Maywood following reports of an immigration raid. The crowd quickly scattered, with a number of people shouting defiantly amid the chaos. ABC7 showed a protester kicking a smoke-emitting canister back toward federal agents.
Several SUVs possibly driven by federal agents stopped on Slauson Avenue near Alamo Avenue, about a block from where agents deployed the chemical irritants.
Minutes earlier, a protest on Atlantic Avenue in Bell escalated, ABC7 reported. Approximately 100 people assembled following an immigration operation in the vicinity. Video from the scene shows people throwing rocks and bottles at passing vehicles.
The agency responsible for the immigration operation is unclear, as the vehicles were unmarked, and the officers did not wear identifiable uniforms.
The Los Angeles Police Department was preparing for more public demonstrations Saturday in downtown.
“We are expecting several demonstrations today in the Civic Center and Pershing Square areas,” the LAPD’s Central Division announced Saturday morning. “Also, it’s National Skateboarding Day. We will have some skateboarders coming through DTLA today with some awesome talent. All we ask is that you please respect our businesses and (residents).”
A large protest was set for 1 p.m. at Pershing Square, billed as No War on Iran, Immigrants and Palestine.
