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."

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

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)