On Sunday, February 2, 2025, hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles to oppose President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts against illegal immigration. The demonstration began around 9 a.m. on Olvera Street and soon led to the blockage of both sides of the 101 Freeway, causing significant traffic delays.
Participants carried signs with messages such as “No human is illegal on stolen land” and “Fight ignorance, not immigrants,” while waving Mexican flags. Law enforcement, including officers in riot gear, engaged in a standoff with the protesters. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) advised motorists to avoid the area, emphasizing the dangers of protesting on highways. Despite the disruption, no arrests were reported by the CHP or the Los Angeles Police Department.
This protest is part of a broader national response to the administration’s recent immigration policies. In the past nine days, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 7,400 illegal immigrants nationwide and issued nearly 6,000 detainers. These actions have sparked demonstrations in various cities, including Dallas, Texas, where approximately 1,600 people gathered to express their opposition.
California has been at the center of resistance to federal immigration policies, with state officials vowing to support illegal immigrants through legal aid and sanctuary policies. Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have both criticized the federal enforcement efforts, calling for a more lenient approach to immigration. Meanwhile, supporters of stricter immigration laws argue that these policies are necessary to uphold border security and national sovereignty.
As protests continue to unfold, the debate over immigration enforcement remains a deeply divisive issue. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety while addressing illegal activities that violate federal immigration laws.
