A demonstration with thousands of protesters took place in downtown Los Angeles Saturday afternoon, prompting a strong police presence in the area. Tracey Leong reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2025.
A rally opposing the Trump administration's immigration crackdown descended upon downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, at times blocking the 101 Freeway.
Droves of protesters flocked to downtown Los Angeles in what police described as a “non-permitted demonstration.” LAPD said it was monitoring a peaceful protest that made its way to City Hall and then moved onto the freeway, according to Officer Lee.
A dispersal order was issued at 6 p.m. as law enforcement began to close in on the protesters to get them off the streets and the 101 Freeway.
"Many people are afraid, but I hope if you are watching this and you are scared, I hope you know we are all here, to fight for you and this is just the beginning and we are not giving up," said one of the protesters.
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Some of the protesters told NBC4 that they found out about the demonstration after seeing a social media post urging people to protest deportations.
Video taken from the rally showed hundreds of demonstrators chanting, marching and holding up signs referencing President Donald Trump's harsh stance on immigration. It’s unclear if the large group obtained a permit for their rally, LAPD said.
As a result of the demonstration, Spring Street was closed from 1st Street to Temple Street. By 1:30 p.m., the protesters moved off the freeway and lanes were reopened.
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Another group of protesters blocked the 101 Freeway near Boyle Heights. Police officers tried to get them to head west and off the freeway.
