Arrests started early Sunday in downtown Los Angeles after LAPD Central Division officers issued dispersal orders, according to a department advisory. Police said they were detaining people who did not clear out as officers moved in on a crowd.
⚠️Community Advisory⚠️ Arrests are now being made for violation of failing to disperse.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) LAPD Central Division
What LAPD Posted
According to the LAPD Central Division, “Arrests are now being made for violation of failing to disperse.” That was the entire public statement, with no information about how many people were detained or which streets downtown were affected.
What "Failure to Disperse" Means
Under California law, staying put after officers issue a lawful dispersal order can lead to misdemeanor charges under Penal Code sections 416 and 409. Penalties can include up to six months in county jail and fines, according to Shouse Law. The statute applies when officers have legally declared an assembly unlawful and ordered people to leave.
DTLA Context
Downtown Los Angeles has seen repeated demonstrations in recent weeks, some of which have ended with dispersal orders and detentions. Earlier anti-ICE protests in late January and early February led to dozens of detentions, with officers citing failure to disperse among the charges, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
Legal Implications
Court rulings have stressed that dispersal orders must be lawful and supported by probable cause if arrests for failure to disperse are going to hold up. The Ninth Circuit has taken a hard look at whether an assembly was actually unlawful when deciding whether to uphold or overturn these arrests, according to FindLaw. People arrested on failure to disperse charges may face misdemeanor counts, but defense attorneys sometimes raise constitutional arguments in response.
What To Watch
Expect more updates from LAPD’s Central Division and local outlets as officers continue clearing the area. Residents are being urged to steer clear of the affected downtown blocks while police remain on scene. Anyone who witnessed or was involved in an arrest is advised to hold on to any photos, video, or other evidence and consider speaking with an attorney about what comes next.
