Los Angeles was brought to a standstill on Sunday as thousands of protesters flooded downtown streets and stormed onto the 101 Freeway demanding an end to President Donald Trump‘s aggressive immigration policies.
Hundreds waved Mexican flags in protest against Trump’s sweeping deportation efforts and orders to expand migrant arrests – sparking scenes of defiance and chaos in the culturally diverse metropolis.
What began as a peaceful march near Placita Olvera, a historic hub of Latino culture, quickly grew into an unstoppable movement.
‘The real criminal is in the White House!’ read one protester’s sign.
‘MAGA – Mexicans always get across,’ another stated while one boldly declared, ‘Jesus said ‘Love Thy Neighbor,’ not deport them.’
By late morning, thousands of demonstrators gathered near City Hall, their chants echoing through downtown just ahead of the 67th Grammy Awards taking place at the nearby Crypto Arena.
The protest intensified when a large group of marchers took over the 101 Freeway at the Alameda Street exit, grinding traffic to a halt and sending shockwaves through the city.
‘No human is illegal on stolen land,’ another sign read.
‘Fight ignorance, not immigrants.’
The LAPD scrambled to control the growing unrest by swiftly declaring the demonstration ‘non-permitted’ – but despite the large disruption, the protests remained largely peaceful.
Los Angeles was brought to a dramatic standstill as thousands of furious protesters flooded downtown streets and stormed onto the 101 Freeway
The group could be seen waving Mexican flags demanding an end to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies
Protestors walk along U.S. Route 101 during a demonstration against arrests and deportations of migrants by U.S. government agencies in Los Angeles
Authorities shut down major roads, including Spring, Main, and Los Angeles streets, in an effort to contain the demonstrators at what is one of the largest anti-Trump demonstrations since his return to office.
The 101 Freeway was also briefly reopened, only to be shut down once again as waves of protesters refused to back down.
‘We are gonna stand up for our immigrant community as long as it takes and we’re not going anywhere,’ Marissa Ruiz said to Fox 11.
‘So many of us Americans are from immigrant roots, so we’re here to stand up for them today and everyday, to show they’re not alone. Our community is with you, and we’ll keep showing up,’ she added.
Some passing motorists honked their horns in solidarity while protesters blasted a mix of traditional and contemporary Mexican music from a loudspeaker.
The demonstration was mostly peaceful, with some street vendors taking advantage to sell bacon-wrapped hot dogs, ice cream, churros, beer and even shots of tequila to the crowd.
‘I wanted to be here because it’s important for my community to support and I wanted my son to be here as well because we come from immigrant families, and we need to be here for each other,’ said Rocio Sarabia Cabrera.
‘I want to not welcome ICE, to protect our community, and continue being a sanctuary state,’ she added.
Tensions have been boiling since Trump’s return to office, with his administration touting a sharp increase in immigration arrests – nearly 1,000 daily.
New executive orders have expanded ICE’s authority, allowing agents to target migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches, a move that has stoked fear and anger among immigrant communities.
‘This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens – including murderers and rapists – who have illegally come into our country,’ the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.
The decision has worried many migrants and advocates who fear children will be traumatized by seeing their parents arrested in the drop-off line at school or that migrants needing medical care won’t go to the hospital for fear of arrest.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered near City Hall, their chants echoing through downtown just ahead of the 67th Grammy Awards taking place at the nearby Crypto Arena
Naomy Angulo sits in traffic with a sign as protestors march along U.S. Route 101 during a protest against arrests and deportations of migrants by government agencies in LA
Anthony Sandoval holds a Mexican flag as he and others walk along U.S. Route 101 during the protest
Many protestors held signs protesting the ICE deportations
Erik ‘Neat’ Martinez marches along U.S. Route 101 during the protest on Sunday
Traffic was brought to a standstill as protestors blocked the Santa Ana Freeway during a demonstration in support of immigrants
A protestor waves a Mexican flag as they block the Santa Ana Freeway during a demonstration in support of immigrants in Los Angeles
The protestors were cheered on by bystanders from bridges and along the roadside
‘Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.’
For many in Los Angeles, a city with deep immigrant roots, the policies have sparked outrage and resistance.
Schools have begun distributing ‘Know Your Rights’ cards, educating students and families on legal protections if confronted by ICE.
The Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) has since released a statement reaffirming its stance on providing a safe environment for all students, regardless of background.
There are an estimated 11 million to 15 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including more than 2 million in California.
They include people who crossed the border illegally, people who overstayed their visas and people who have requested asylum.
