Federal immigration agents conducted raids at three locations in central Los Angeles on Friday, arresting 44 people and drawing strong backlash from local leaders.

Protesters clashed with agents, and SEIU California President David Huerta was arrested for allegedly obstructing law enforcement.

Officials say the raids targeted fake employee documents at businesses like Ambiance Apparel.

Governor Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass, and multiple city council members condemned the actions as cruel and politically motivated.

Local law enforcement emphasized they were not involved, NBC News has reported.

Protesters gathered downtown, decrying the raids as an attack on immigrant communities and workers.

Written by B.C. Begley