Dímelo

Protestors take to the streets to call for immigration reform in Los Angeles

Large crowds filled downtown Los Angeles causing a gridlock with the LAPD.

Photo of protestors holding signs surrounded by flags.
Protesters hold up signs reading "The only minority ruining this country is the 1%" and "NOT 'ILLEGAL' ON STOLEN LAND" during the DTLA protest advocating for immigrant rights. (Photo by Valeria Macias)

At approximately 9 a.m. as stated in posters that circulated online, the Angelino community began to gather at the Los Angeles Plaza Park. Guest speakers and chants occurred for around an hour as the park began to fill up.

At approximately 10 a.m.: The large crowd began to make its way down N Main Street, where groups started to split up. Some stayed at the bridge near the 101 Freeway at Arcadia Street and others continued on to Los Angeles City Hall.

At approximately 11 a.m.: There were multiple sections of protests chanting on N Main Street, the steps of the Los Angeles City Hall, N Spring Street, and the 101 Freeway Bridge near Arcadia Street.

At approximately 12 p.m.: A male protester entered the 101 Freeway near Arcadia and Main Street. LAPD begins to park their cars, blocking cars from driving down the freeway.

According to the LAPD, by 12:30 p.m. demonstrators blocked both sides of the roadway, causing a massive gridlock.

At approximately 1:20 p.m.: Both sides of the freeway were reopened, however, it was soon reclosed as demonstrators made their way down W Aliso Street and filled the 101 Freeway near Los Angeles Street.

By approximately 4 p.m.: LAPD said protests began to leave the freeway and made their way onto the streets towards the steps of Los Angeles City Hall

Around 4:30 p.m.: The rally was declared over by the organizer, who told protestors to clear the area.

Photo of a man on a construction lift waving a Mexican flag.
A worker waves the Mexican flag from a construction lift in solidarity with the protestors. (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of an indigenous dancer surrounded by people and drums.
Indigenous dancers and activists gather to call for immigration reform. (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of many protesters with signs and Mexican flags.
A large crowd of demonstrators marches towards the Santa Ana freeway. (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of people in a car holding a sign and a Mexican flag.
Protestors in a car holding out the Mexican flag and a sign that reads “I am the child of your 'illegal aliens' and proud!” (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of a large crowd holding various protest signs.
A large crowd gathers on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, waving flags and holding signs advocating for immigrant rights. (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of two people dressed as luchadores and a one person dressed as a catrina between them.
Two emblematic symbols of Mexican culture show out for the protest as a sign of resistance: luchadores and a catrina. (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of protestors surrounding a news outlet.
A crowd gathers to speak to news outlets. (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of protestors waving a Mexican flag from their car.
Protesters wave Mexican flags from their cars as they drive past Los Angeles City Hall. (Photo by Valeria Macias)
Photo of protestors at a plaza holding up signs
A crowd begins to gather at Placita Olvera. Community members share signs reading “Don't let privilege cloud your empathy.” (Photo by Valeria Macias)