A large group of protesters took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, obstructing a major freeway in response to President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies and deportations.

Social media was abuzz with videos and photos of the demonstrators, who waved Mexican flags and held signs denouncing Trump’s deportation plans. This protest was organized locally and promoted via social media platforms, as reported by KTLA and the Daily Breeze.

The crowd started gathering Sunday morning on Olvera Street, a historical pedestrian area within the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, before marching towards City Hall, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

In several updates on X, police referred to the rally as “non-permitted,” but confirmed that it remained mostly peaceful. Both law enforcement and the California Department of Transportation advised people to avoid traveling in downtown Los Angeles due to the protest, which caused the closure of the 101 Freeway in both directions.

By around 1 p.m. PST, police reported “significant traffic congestion in the DTLA area,” leading to the closure of additional roads near the freeway. The demonstrators began to leave the freeway just before 4 p.m. PST, blocking some streets with vehicles while many gathered at the steps of City Hall, according to police sources.

The Los Angeles Times noted that law enforcement maintained a low profile during the event, and there were no arrests or injuries reported. Motorists passing by expressed their support through honking and messages of solidarity, the Times reported.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump promptly enacted numerous executive orders focused on illegal immigration and refugee policies. He is also seeking to abolish birthright citizenship, which contradicts the 14th Amendment.

Across the nation, multiple protests erupted over the weekend, opposing Trump’s mass deportations and increasing raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Under Trump’s directives, federal agents are allowed to enforce immigration laws in “sensitive locations,” including churches, hospitals, and schools. ICE has also been actively sharing its arrest information on social media, with nearly 1,000 arrests occurring each day.

Nationwide Protests Against Immigration Policies

The YSL News Network highlighted several demonstrations related to Trump’s immigration policies over the weekend.

As reported by the Daytona Beach News-Journal, hundreds gathered at a prominent intersection in DeLand, Florida, on Saturday to show solidarity with immigrants. Many held signs, waved Mexican flags, and cheered as passersby drove by.

“We just want our immigrant community to feel supported, that they aren’t alone and don’t need to live in fear, as there’s a whole community here ready to advocate for them and their rights,” said Daniela Copca Cortez, an organizer and resident of DeLand, to The News-Journal.

Another protest took place on the same day in Vero Beach, Florida, as reported by Treasure Coast Newspapers, where over a hundred individuals gathered to “support undocumented immigrants.”

Other demonstrations were also reported in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, and Georgia, according to local media outlets. Additionally, hundreds protested on the sidewalks and streets of Riverside and San Diego in Southern California, according to reports from the Daily Breeze and NBC San Diego.

Contributors: Natalie Neysa Alund, Zachary Schermele, and Madeleine Parrish,