California anti-deportation activists took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, creating significant disruptions by blocking the 101 Freeway, a major artery known for its heavy traffic. The protest, which involved hundreds of demonstrators, primarily of Mexican descent, aimed to draw attention to immigration issues and to oppose recent increases in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
The demonstration began around midday, with activists waving Mexican flags as they occupied the freeway. Footage from the scene showed a tense standoff between protesters and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which deployed numerous police vehicles to manage the situation. The California Department of Transportation issued a traffic alert around 1:20 p.m., advising motorists to avoid downtown Los Angeles due to the blockage between the 110 Freeway and Mission Road.
In a statement, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) cautioned that accessing state highways for protests is illegal and poses risks to both protesters and motorists. The protest continued into the afternoon, but by approximately 4:00 p.m., LAPD reported that the demonstrators had left the freeway and gathered at City Hall. As of Sunday evening, there were no reports of arrests related to the protest.
This event was part of a broader national movement advocating for "Legalization for all" and an end to what organizers describe as unjust immigration policies. In addition to the Los Angeles demonstration, over 1,000 protesters also gathered at the San Diego Convention Center, similarly displaying Mexican flags and voicing their concerns. Concurrently, a protest occurred outside City Hall in Dallas, Texas, highlighting the widespread nature of these demonstrations across the country.
Participants characterized the rallies as largely peaceful, emphasizing their goal of raising awareness about immigration issues and advocating for reform. The events reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy in the United States, particularly in light of recent governmental actions affecting immigrant communities.