A Day of Resistance: National “Fuck ICE” Day Protest Outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles

By Jose Mejia

April 11 2026

Photos by Jose Mejia

We traveled to Los Angeles to document the national “Fuck ICE” day of protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA. What began as a powerful and unified demonstration quickly escalated as tensions rose between protesters and law enforcement. Demonstrators gathered to demand accountability and call for an end to immigration policies they view as unjust and inhumane, filling the streets with chants, signs, and a palpable sense of urgency.

As the day unfolded, the atmosphere shifted. Police presence intensified, and confrontations began to emerge, transforming the protest into a tense standoff. Despite the aggressive response, protesters remained steadfast, refusing to back down and continuing to make their voices heard.

Through it all, we documented the raw energy of the moment the defiance, the fear, and the resilience of a community standing up for what they believe in. These images and stories capture not just a protest, but a larger movement driven by the people