Thousands Protest Illegal Immigration Policies in Los Angeles
Thousands of people marched in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday to protest President Trump's illegal immigration policies, causing significant disruption and "major gridlock," according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The rally commenced in the morning at Olvera Street, with protesters making their way to city hall. By 12:30 p.m., many protesters had entered the 101 Freeway.
The 101 Freeway was closed in both directions between the 110 Freeway and Alameda Street as police worked to remove the demonstrators.
Video footage from the scene captured protesters waving Mexican and Central American flags while chanting "si se puede" on the freeway.
The California Highway Patrol stated, "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."
By around 1:20 p.m., both sides of the 101 Freeway were reopened as demonstrators exited the freeway and continued their protest on surface streets, impacting Arcadia, Aliso, Main, and Spring streets, according to LAPD.
Approximately 30 minutes later, protesters again occupied the 101 Freeway at Los Angeles Street, blocking all lanes of traffic.
