Demonstrators in Los Angeles stop traffic on 101 Freeway and downtown streets in protest against ICE

LOS ANGELES — A protest against President Trump’s illegal immigration policies in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday drew thousands of participants, resulting in blocked streets and “major gridlock,” as reported by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The large crowd set out Sunday morning and marched to city hall. At around 12:30 p.m., thousands had gathered and walked onto the 101 Freeway.

Part of the 101 Freeway was shut down in both directions while police removed the protestors.

Video from the scene showed the protesters waving Mexican and Central American flags while chanting “si se puede” on the 101 Freeway.

“Engaging in protests on state highways or roads is deemed illegal and highly hazardous as it endangers the lives of protesters, drivers, and emergency personnel,” warned the California Highway Patrol in a statement on X.

Although both sides of the 101 Freeway were briefly cleared around 1:20 p.m. for the demonstrators to exit, there were still disruptions on Arcadia, Aliso, Main, and Spring streets, according to LAPD.

About 30 minutes later, demonstrators walked onto the 101 Freeway at Los Angeles Street and blocked all lanes of traffic.