Over the weekend, thousands of protesters across the United States took to the streets to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement policies. Demonstrations occurred in multiple cities, with participants expressing their dissent through marches, flag displays, and slogans.
Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, a significant protest began on Olvera Street and proceeded to City Hall. Demonstrators carried Mexican and Salvadoran flags and held signs with messages such as “MAGA — Mexicans Always Get Across” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” The protest escalated as participants blocked all lanes of the U.S. 101 freeway for several hours, causing substantial traffic disruptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department, reported no arrests during the event.
St. Louis, Missouri
In St. Louis, more than 1,000 individuals marched through the streets, many displaying Mexican flags, to protest the administration’s immigration policies. The demonstration was marked by chants, drum performances, and speeches advocating for immigrant rights.
Atlanta, Georgia
Hundreds gathered in Atlanta, waving flags from Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico. Participants voiced their concerns over increased immigration enforcement and the impact on their communities.
Dallas, Texas
Approximately 2,000 protesters assembled at Dallas City Hall Plaza, expressing their opposition to recent arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The crowd included individuals carrying both Mexican and American flags, with speakers condemning the administration’s rhetoric and actions regarding immigration.
Context
These protests were in response to the Trump administration’s recent directives to intensify immigration enforcement. In the initial weeks of President Trump’s second term, ICE reported over 7,000 arrests nationwide. Additionally, the administration announced plans to utilize Guantanamo Bay as a detention facility for certain illegal immigrants prior to their repatriation.
The widespread demonstrations reflect growing public dissent against the administration’s immigration strategies, highlighting the deepening national debate over immigration policy and enforcement.
UPDATE: The view from the 101 Freeway overpass on Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles. The freeway is closed once again as demonstrators poured back into the lanes, after being briefly reopened at about 1:20 p.m.
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— KTLA (@KTLA) February 2, 2025