A local immigrant rights organization said more than 45 people were detained in the operations, which were described as “random sweeps.”

Surprise U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps in downtown Los Angeles prompted fierce pushback from elected officials and protesters, who decried the action as "cruel and unnecessary."

Dozens of protesters gathered Friday evening outside a federal detention center in Los Angeles after federal immigration authorities arrested at 44 people. (AP video by Jae Hong)