Following Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador, Mexican FIFA World Cup fans took to the streets of Los Angeles on Tuesday night, leading to disruptions and police intervention. Celebrations, which continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning, saw large crowds gather in neighborhoods including Pacoima, the San Fernando Valley, Huntington Park, and Boyle Heights.
In the Pacoima neighborhood, specifically at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Haddon Avenue, fans engaged in activities described by law enforcement as a street takeover. Video footage captured individuals setting off illegal fireworks and performing vehicle stunts, such as donuts, which created smoke clouds and sent sparks near spectators. One instance showed a car with a Mexican flag hanging out the window performing these maneuvers.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the disturbances. Officers arrived in multiple patrol cars with flashing lights and sirens, forming skirmish lines. Some officers were seen in riot gear and used batons to disperse the crowd. Air support was also observed in the area. The LAPD confirmed to The California Post that the street takeover in Pacoima was cleared, but provided no specific details regarding arrests or the methods used for dispersal.
This event follows a similar incident a few weeks prior when fans celebrated Mexico's 1-0 victory over South Korea, which also led to crowds gathering in Koreatown.
The win against Ecuador marks Mexico's first World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years, and the team is scheduled to play in the round of 16 on Sunday.