After a day of contention and little information about the nature of an immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles, the Department of Homeland Security has finally released details about the joint operation conducted Friday morning.

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."

Federal agents carried out large-scale ICE raids across Los Angeles, detaining dozens and sparking tense clashes with protesters in the city’s Fashion District. The LAPD did not take part, and many residents were alarmed to see heavily armed officials operating in a city known as a "sanctuary" for undocumented immigrants.