Protesters Rally Against Trump's Immigration Policies in Los Angeles
A large group of protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles to rally against President Donald Trump's illegal immigration crackdown.
Hundreds of protesters flooded a busy Los Angeles freeway on Sunday morning, causing major traffic delays in response to President Trump's illegal immigration crackdown.
The protest began on Olvera Street at around 9 a.m. with a large group of participants. Nearly half an hour later, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced several street closures due to "a non-permitted demonstration blocking traffic" and suggested drivers find alternate routes.
The California Highway Patrol also confirmed the protests and encouraged people to avoid downtown Los Angeles while authorities attempted to gain control of the demonstration.
"Please avoid the 101 freeway in DTLA between I-110 and Mission Rd., as we work to remove a protest from the freeway. Accessing state highways or roads to protest is unlawful and extremely dangerous because it puts protesters, motorists and first responders at great risk of injury," CHP wrote.
Many of the protesters could be seen carrying signs, waving Mexican flags and speaking out against Trump's immigration policies. Officers could also be seen in riot gear and engaged in a standoff with the protesters.
"No human is illegal on stolen land," one sign read.
Another sign read, "fight ignorance, not immigrants."
Videos shared on social media show what appeared to be demonstrators spraying graffiti on the freeway walls and vandalizing at least one car that was stopped in the middle of the crowd.
Conservative accounts have reported the shutdown of freeways, stating, "This isn't gonna end well. Get ICE on scene ASAP," referring to the protests.
As deportation flights have begun, the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration has provoked backlash from several Democrat leaders who vowed to oppose the operation.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 7,400 illegal immigrants in nine days amid aggressive measures. The focus is on violent illegal aliens, as stated by border czar Tom Homan.
When contacted, California Governor Gavin Newsom's office directed inquiries to the California Highway Patrol.
