LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Press Club and investigative reporting network Status Coup today sued the Los Angeles Police Department and its chief, alleging in federal court that reporters’ rights were violated by police while covering recent immigration raids and subsequent civil unrest.

Large crowds gathered near a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles Friday protesting immigration raids that had taken place throughout the city.

Anti-ICE demonstrations are expected to spread to more cities this week after days of unrest in Los Angeles, with at least 30 new protests planned across the country in response to the Trump Administration’s recent immigration raids.

Todd Lyons, the head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, defended his tactics last week week against criticism that authorities are being too heavy-handed. He has said ICE is averaging about 1,600 arrests per day and that the agency has arrested “dangerous criminals.” It is an assertion many lawmakers and city leaders decry.

The Trump administration faces a legal challenge to its deployment of the military to protests. Tensions flared after President Trump sent troops, and protests spread to other U.S. cities.

Tonight' host criticized the president for sending National Guard troops and Marines into Los Angeles: "Why would you send troops if there is nothing for them to do?"

As the military presence ramped up in Los Angeles, communities are preparing for the largest protests against Trump since he took office.