Large-scale protests broke out across the United States over the weekend in response to President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies and deportation plans. In downtown Los Angeles, hundreds of demonstrators gathered, shutting down major roads to voice their opposition to the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.
Protest in Downtown Los Angeles
On Sunday, crowds of protestors filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles, waving Mexican flags and holding signs denouncing Trump’s deportation policies. The demonstration, organized by local residents and promoted through social media, began on Olvera Street—a historic site within the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument—before moving towards City Hall.
Videos and images shared online showed the scale of the protest, with demonstrators flooding the area, eventually blocking a section of the busy 101 Freeway in both directions. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the event was considered a “non-permitted” protest, but it remained largely peaceful throughout the day.
Impact on Traffic and Public Response
By early afternoon, the protest had caused significant traffic disruptions, with the 101 Freeway and surrounding streets experiencing major gridlock. Authorities from both the LAPD and the California Department of Transportation advised the public to avoid downtown Los Angeles due to the moving demonstrations.
The protestors left the freeway around 4 p.m. PST but continued to block several city streets with vehicles while others gathered at City Hall. Despite the disruptions, the LAPD maintained a minimal presence, and there were no reports of arrests or injuries. Some passing motorists showed support by honking and sharing messages of solidarity.
Nationwide Demonstrations Against Immigration Policies
Los Angeles wasn’t the only city witnessing protests. Demonstrations erupted across the country in opposition to Trump’s immigration crackdown. In DeLand, Florida, hundreds of people gathered at a busy intersection, waving flags and holding signs to show their support for immigrants.
“We just pretty much want our immigrant community to know that they’re not alone, to not be in fear, that they have a whole village out here willing to speak and stand up for them and for their rights,” said Daniela Copca Cortez, an organizer from DeLand.
Similar protests were held in Vero Beach, Florida, where over a hundred people came together to stand up for undocumented immigrants. Demonstrations also took place in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Georgia, Riverside, and San Diego, with hundreds joining in to voice their opposition to the administration’s policies.
Trump’s Immigration Policies Spark Outrage
Since taking office on January 20, President Trump has signed several executive orders targeting illegal immigration and refugee admissions. One of his controversial moves includes attempting to end birthright citizenship, which is protected under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Under Trump’s directives, federal agents have been granted the authority to conduct immigration enforcement operations in sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also been publicizing daily arrests on social media, with figures nearing 1,000 arrests per day.
The recent wave of protests across the U.S. reflects growing public outrage over the Trump administration’s immigration policies. From Los Angeles to Florida, people are uniting to support immigrant communities, demanding the protection of their rights and opposing mass deportations. As these demonstrations continue to spread nationwide, they highlight the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding immigration issues in America.
