Surprise U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps in downtown Los Angeles prompted fierce pushback from elected officials and protesters.

Hundreds of people have taken to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Friday after reported raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) swept through the city earlier in the day. Newsweek reached out to ICE via email Friday night for comment.

Federal agents carried out large-scale ICE raids across Los Angeles, detaining dozens and sparking tense clashes with protesters in the city’s Fashion District. The LAPD did not take part, and many residents were alarmed to see heavily armed officials operating in a city known as a "sanctuary" for undocumented immigrants.