A large rally opposing the Trump administration’s immigration policies took place in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, drawing hundreds of protesters. The demonstration, which police described as a “non-permitted event,” briefly disrupted traffic as protesters blocked sections of the 101 Freeway.
Protesters Gather in Downtown Los Angeles
Crowds of demonstrators gathered in downtown Los Angeles, voicing their opposition to the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement. The protest began peacefully as people marched towards City Hall, holding signs and chanting slogans against the administration’s immigration policies.
Many protesters said they learned about the rally through social media posts calling for action against deportations. The demonstration was not officially permitted, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), but officers were on-site to monitor the situation.
Protest Spills Onto the 101 Freeway
After rallying at City Hall, a large group of protesters moved onto the 101 Freeway, causing significant traffic disruptions. At one point, sections of the freeway near Boyle Heights were completely blocked. Police officers worked to disperse the crowd, directing protesters off the freeway to restore traffic flow.
A dispersal order was issued at around 6 p.m. as law enforcement closed in on the protesters to clear the streets and the freeway. By 1:30 p.m., the demonstrators had moved off the freeway, and the closed lanes were reopened to the public.
Voices from the Protest
Despite the tense situation, the protest remained largely peaceful. One demonstrator shared an emotional message:
“Many people are afraid, but I hope if you are watching this and you are scared, you know we are all here to fight for you. This is just the beginning, and we are not giving up.”
The protesters expressed their determination to continue fighting against policies they believe unfairly target immigrant communities.
Impact on Traffic and Public Safety
The protest caused temporary road closures in downtown Los Angeles, including Spring Street from 1st Street to Temple Street. The LAPD managed the situation without any major incidents, although the freeway blockage created traffic delays for drivers in the area.
Police worked to ensure the safety of both protesters and commuters, urging demonstrators to move off busy roads to prevent accidents or injuries.
Sunday’s protest in Los Angeles highlighted the growing opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. While the demonstration disrupted traffic and led to police intervention, it remained peaceful overall. The rally reflects the strong emotions surrounding immigration policies in the U.S., with many individuals determined to make their voices heard in support of immigrant communities.