Thousands of people of Latino descent poured onto the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Sunday in a protest against recent immigration raids and deportation efforts put forward by President Donald Trump. What began as a peaceful march quickly turned as demonstrators took over the 101 Freeway, blocking traffic for hours before law enforcement got involved to break up the crowd.
The protest began at Olvera Street, where a diverse group of people carrying banners and flags rallied before making their way to City Hall. Participants held signs bearing bold statements like “No human is illegal” and “Stop the raids,” while chanting “Sí, se puede” (translation: Yes, you can). Some activists planted themselves in freeway lanes, refusing to move, as others waved Mexican, Salvadoran, and other national flags from car windows. The action was highly policed, involving both the LAPD and California Highway Patrol. As it grew by midday, major streets such as Spring, Main and Los Angeles were packed with protesters. Through social media, bystanders shared videos of freeways tagged with graffiti and fireworks dotting the sky above the crowd.
“We are not here to make messes,” one of the protesters, Sara Aguilar, said, “We come to reclaim our dignity, and we contribute with much effort. And we don’t want us or our opinions silenced by any form of intimidation.”
As it approached nighttime, police in riot gear moved in, creating barricades near Union Station in an effort to force the crowd of demonstrators back. For the most part, the event was nonviolent, with street vendors even seizing the moment to sell snacks and drinks to protesters. Meanwhile, a smaller protest occurred in Pacoima, where individuals allegedly blocked intersections and did car tricks with lowriders. The LAPD reported making at least one arrest but did not disclose further details. These protests come during a wider upsurge of resistance against increasingly hardline immigration policies that critics say have been inordinately impacting the most vulnerable populations. Demonstrators took to the streets in solidarity in cities throughout Riverside, San Diego, and even Dallas.
By 8 o’ clock p.m., police had cleared the freeway and reopened traffic, but the message was displayed. “They are willing to fight for immigrant communities and their allies are ready to stand up and make their voices heard.”
