Thousands of demonstrators flooded downtown Los Angeles streets and the 101 Freeway on Sunday to protest President Trump's immigration policies and deportation efforts, causing major traffic disruptions.
The protest began Sunday morning at Olvera Street, with participants marching toward City Hall. By noon, the crowd had grown substantially, with protesters making their way onto the 101 Freeway, forcing closures in both directions between the 110 Freeway and Alameda Street.
Demonstrators waved Mexican and Central American flags while chanting "si se puede" on the highway. Many carried signs with messages like "MAGA - Mexicans Always Get Across" and "No More ICE Raids, No More Fear." The California Highway Patrol warned that accessing highways for protests was "unlawful and extremely dangerous."
While the freeway briefly reopened around 1:20 p.m., protesters returned approximately 30 minutes later at Los Angeles Street, again blocking all traffic lanes. The demonstration continued into the late afternoon, with hundreds gathering on overpasses and surrounding streets.
The protest remained largely peaceful, according to LAPD spokesman Tony Im, with no arrests or injuries reported on city streets. Police presence was minimal throughout the event, even as demonstrators occupied the freeway.
The rally came in response to Trump's recent executive orders targeting illegal immigration, including enhanced deportation efforts and border control measures. The administration has reported over 7,400 arrests of undocumented immigrants nationwide in just nine days.
Some protesters expressed frustration at having to demonstrate against Trump's policies again. "We thought we were done with his administration," said one participant who identified himself as Rey.
The scene included both political expression and street festival elements, with vendors selling food and drinks to the crowds. Some incidents of burnouts and donuts by vehicles were reported, along with occasional graffiti, but the protest maintained an overall peaceful character despite causing significant traffic disruptions in the downtown area.