Thousands take to the streets of Los Angeles; Protest against ICE escalates into clashes PHOTO/VIDEO

The demonstrators gathered in front of City Hall on Friday afternoon local time and peacefully marched to the Boyle Heights neighborhood before blocking the entrance to the federal building, CBS reported today.

Part of the crowd threw objects at agents, while some attempted to use a construction dumpster as a barricade.

Federal agents used pepper balls and tear gas, while the Los Angeles Police Department issued dispersal orders and tactical warnings.

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The protests are part of a national day of action launched in protest over the fatal shootings in Minnesota and increased immigration raids. High school students and college students also took part in the demonstrations, while some small businesses closed their doors in solidarity and to support the community.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called on residents to peacefully exercise their right to protest, while the Los Angeles Unified School District said it supports students and is enabling them to safely exercise their First Amendment rights.

The Guardian reported that more than 300 demonstrations are planned today across all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., as part of a national protest against the operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency called “ICE Out of Everywhere.”

Organizers, led by the national group “50501,” say these incidents reflect, in their view, a broader pattern of excessive force and militarization in the enforcement of immigration laws. “Today’s national day of action is dedicated to fighting against the escalation that the Trump administration has carried out over the past year,” said Hunter Dan, national press coordinator for the group “50501.”

The protests include vigils, marches, banner actions on overpasses, community trainings on rights, and calls for lawmakers to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security until ICE operations are reviewed. Demonstrators are gathering in front of ICE detention centers, congressional district offices, and airports, while some local initiatives are calling for boycotts of hotels and companies that cooperate with ICE.