Downtown Los Angeles saw a massive demonstration on Sunday as thousands of people marched in protest against President Trump’s planned mass deportations. The protest caused widespread traffic disruptions, with demonstrators blocking several streets and even taking over the 101 Freeway, leading to what the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) described as “major gridlock.”
Protest Timeline and Key Events
The protest began around 11 a.m., with demonstrators gathering at Olvera Street and marching towards City Hall. By 12:30 p.m., thousands of protesters had moved onto the 101 Freeway, forcing authorities to shut down traffic in both directions between the 110 Freeway and Alameda Street.
Although the freeway briefly reopened at 1:20 p.m., demonstrators re-entered around 1:50 p.m., once again blocking all lanes near Los Angeles Street. The LAPD managed to clear the freeway shortly before 4 p.m., but protesters continued their demonstration on nearby surface streets, including Arcadia, Aliso, Main, and Spring Streets.
By 7 p.m., large groups of protesters had gathered around City Hall, while others remained on surface streets, causing ongoing traffic disruptions. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed at 8 p.m. that the 101 Freeway had been fully reopened.
Protest Messages and Demonstrators’ Voices
Footage from the scene showed protesters waving Mexican and Central American flags while chanting “Sí se puede,” meaning “Yes, we can,” a slogan widely used in immigrant rights movements. Demonstrators carried powerful signs, including:
- “No one is illegal on stolen land”
- “Don’t bite the hands that feed you”
- “No human is illegal”
These messages reflected strong opposition to the administration’s immigration stance, emphasizing solidarity with immigrant communities.
Law Enforcement Response
The LAPD and CHP worked throughout the day to manage the protests and restore traffic flow. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the CHP warned:
“Accessing state highways or roads to protest is unlawful and extremely dangerous because it puts protesters, motorists, and first responders at great risk of injury.”
Despite the large crowds and tense moments, no arrests or injuries were reported as of 7 p.m.
Impact on Downtown Traffic and Services
The protest caused significant traffic delays, especially as downtown Los Angeles was already experiencing congestion due to street closures for the Grammy Awards. Additionally, the protest forced the suspension of DASH public transit services in the downtown area.
Protests Spread to Other Cities
The protests weren’t limited to Los Angeles. Demonstrations against immigration policies also erupted in other California cities:
- Riverside: Several hundred people gathered at Tyler Street and Magnolia Avenue, holding signs and waving flags in a peaceful protest.
- Garden Grove: Hundreds of demonstrators assembled near Chapman Avenue and Beach Boulevard, protesting against ICE and the planned mass deportations. Protesters briefly blocked traffic while holding signs that read “No human is illegal.”
Sunday’s protests in Los Angeles and other California cities reflected growing public opposition to mass deportations and broader immigration policies. The demonstrations remained largely peaceful, despite causing major disruptions to traffic and public transportation. As immigration remains a key national issue, such protests highlight the strong emotions and activism surrounding the debate.
FAQ
Why were protesters marching in Los Angeles?
Protesters were rallying against President Trump’s planned mass deportations, expressing strong opposition to his immigration policies.
When did the Los Angeles protest take place?
The protest took place on Sunday, starting around 11 a.m. and continuing into the evening.
Which freeway was blocked during the LA protest?
The 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles was blocked by protesters, causing major traffic disruptions.
Were there protests in other cities?
Yes, protests also occurred in Riverside and Garden Grove, where demonstrators gathered to protest against mass deportations and ICE.
Were there any arrests or injuries reported during the protests?
As of 7 p.m., no arrests or injuries had been reported in connection with the protests.
