A large group of protesters against federal immigration enforcement marched through the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Friday afternoon.

At about 3:00 p.m., protesters stopped outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building along Alameda Street between Temple and Aliso Streets.

After demonstrators rallied outside the complex for three hours, the Los Angeles Police Department said, "Demonstrators are confronting Federal Protective Security Personnel and National Guard Members,"  LAPD officers said federal agents deployed less lethal munitions and advised people to avoid the area. 

CBS News Los Angeles reporter Luzdelia Caballero said she did not see law enforcement deploy tear gas at the time of LAPD's post to X. 

Following the social media post, National Guard troops and federal agents formed a skirmish line, warning protesters to leave the area. Shortly after, demonstrators moved onto the streets and blocked several lanes on Alameda Street. 

The crowd left the area shortly after LAPD declared a dispersal order at 7:05 p.m.

Officers closed Alameda Street between First and Aliso Streets, as well as First Street between San Pedro and Alameda Streets, for roughly an hour.

How the July 4th protest started

In a news release, the protesters referred to the July 4th rally as a "march against ICE, federal occupation in downtown LA."  As a series of immigration raids occurred through the L.A. area beginning last month, the Trump administration ordered the deployment of National Guard soldiers and Marines in response to protests that erupted.  

Friday's protest group met up around 9:30 a.m. outside City Hall on Spring Street and took a planned 1.5-mile route through downtown.

Around noon, the march appeared peaceful as protesters carried signs and Mexican and American flags through the streets and sidewalks.