In the days before protests erupted in Los Angeles, the Trump administration stepped up its efforts to detain migrants — taking into custody those who arrived for routine check-ins while also conducting workplace raids that have sent waves of fear across Southern California and beyond.

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

Marines have moved into Los Angeles to guard a federal building after a week of protests against immigration raids, while communities across the country are preparing for demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s polices this weekend.

Lauren Tomasi, a 9News correspondent, was reporting live when an officer behind her suddenly raised their firearm and fired a nonlethal round at close range.

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.

The development comes a day after an appeals court temporarily blocked a judge’s order that directed President Trump to return control of the California National Guard.

The bill would enable community raids, targeted removals and widespread detention camps that sweep up U.S. citizens and the undocumented alike.

Customs and Border Patrol confirmed it is providing "aerial support" to law enforcement efforts during the protests.