This is the dramatic moment rioters clashed with law enforcement as protests erupted over a crime crackdown in Los Angeles.

Footage shows a group of activists appearing to confront authorities, with an officer seen pushing a demonstrator away on June 8.

The US Department of Homeland Security said: 'Our law enforcement officers are just doing their jobs. Violence and intimidation against federal law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The United States is a nation of laws, and lawbreakers will be brought to justice.'

The protest was in response to recent large-scale enforcement actions conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Officials confirmed that the operations resulted in at least 118 arrests in the region.

The arrests triggered a backlash from community groups, with more than 300 immigrant rights activists gathering in Los Angeles to demonstrate.

President Trump deployed National Guard troops to the city, a move that controversial Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom condemned as 'purposefully inflammatory'.

The governor said: 'That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment's notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.'

Trump, known for his hardline nationalist and anti-immigrant rhetoric, has promised a sweeping crackdown on undocumented and illegal immigrants in the country.

On his first day of office, he declared a 'national emergency' at the southern border with Mexico.

He has also issued a memo telling the US Agency for International Development to adopt an 'America First' policy, threatening sanctions on staff who refuse to obey.

Dozens of deportation flights have also taken off, sending illegals back to their homeland in handcuffs.