12 face charges after protests of raids

The cases mostly center on a series of clashes on a freeway overpass in June.

- JAMES QUEALLY AND BRITTNY MEJIA

A PROTESTER throws an object over California Highway Patrol officers June 8 on the 101 Freeway.

ROBERT GAUTHIER Los Angeles Times

Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against 12 people who allegedly impeded officers or engaged in violence during demonstrations against the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The charges, part of an effort dubbed "Operation Bridge Too Far" by federal authorities, largely centered on demonstrations that erupted on a freeway overpass near an immigration detention center in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, the first day the National Guard was deployed to the city.

What started as a small, peaceful protest on Alameda Street exploded into a series of tense clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. After National Guard members and U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials used tear gas and smoke bombs to try to disperse a crowd outside the detention center, more protesters flooded the area.

A number of Waymo self-driving vehicles were set on fire near Olivera Street, and a group of California Highway Patrol officers on the 101 Freeway were pelted with items from protesters on the overpass. At times, they returned fire with less-lethal rounds and tear gas. At least one protester had previously been charged in state court with throwing a flaming item at a CHP vehicle from the overpass.