Thousands of protesters descended upon Los Angeles, causing chaos and gridlock on the city’s busy freeways. Carrying Mexican flags and brandishing anti-deportation signs, the protesters challenged the administration’s stance on illegal immigration. Will this protest influence public opinion on immigration policies?
Massive Protest Paralyzes Los Angeles Freeway
Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Los Angeles, bringing traffic to a standstill on the U.S. 101 freeway for over five hours. The protest, aimed at President Trump’s mass deportation plans, quickly evolved from a peaceful march into a significant disruption of daily life in the city.
Protesters carried banners with slogans like “Nobody is illegal” and “Love Thy Neighbor, not deport them,” expressing their opposition to the administration’s aggressive immigration policies. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a warning, stating, “Please avoid the 101 freeway in DTLA between I-110 and Mission Rd., as we work to remove a protest from the freeway.”
Anti-ICE protesters waving foreign flags just blocked the 101 freeway in Los Angeles.
Another ad for mass deportations pic.twitter.com/Q10oFaT0jq
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 2, 2025
Tensions Rise as Protesters Face Off with Law Enforcement
As the demonstration unfolded, law enforcement officers clad in riot gear were deployed to restore order. Despite the tense atmosphere, no arrests were reported by either the CHP or the Los Angeles Police Department.
The protest highlighted the growing community support for immigrants and opposition to aggressive deportation policies. Marissa Ruiz, a participant, declared, “We are gonna stand up for our immigrant community as long as it takes and we’re not going anywhere.”
NOW: Anti-ICE protesters have shut down both sides of the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles.
After Biden’s record-breaking border crisis, most Americans now support mass deportation—and blocking traffic won’t change that.pic.twitter.com/62cw1FftNy
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) February 2, 2025
Trump Administration Doubles Down on Immigration Enforcement
In response to the protests, the White House reaffirmed its commitment to strict immigration policies. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson, stated, “President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences.”
Recent data shows that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 7,400 illegal immigrants in just nine days and issued nearly 6,000 detainers. The administration is particularly targeting violent illegal immigrants, with plans to send some to Guantánamo Bay.
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Marchers protesting planned deportations block major freeway in Los Angeles