Pro-illegal immigrant protesters block highway in Los Angeles

Thousands of people, many with Mexican flags and signs containing phrases such as “Viva Mexico,” “F*** ICE,” and “Nobody is illegal,” participated in the protest, which started Sunday morning in downtown Los Angeles. After progressing to LA’s City Hall, the protesters made their way to a highway, taking over the southbound side of U.S. Route 101, known locally as the 101 Freeway, and disrupting traffic, according to KTLA. Some demonstrators reportedly sat down in traffic lanes while others continued to march on the highway. Their efforts created a significant backup along the freeway.

The protest lasted several hours, starting before 12 p.m. local time and going into the evening past 8 p.m., according to multiple reports. Videos from the protests showed several instances in which the demonstrators vandalized walls on the freeway with spray paint. In another incident, a Metro bus was also vandalized, again with spray paint, with a profanity-laced message about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Despite videos of the general unruly behavior, no arrests were made, CBS News reported.

Similar protests were reportedly held in San Diego, California, and Dallas, Texas, according to the Associated Press. 

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Much of the anger from the demonstrators was directed toward ICE as participants scolded the organization for its role in helping deport illegal immigrants out of the country. ICE has been carrying out operations throughout the country to locate illegal immigrants who have criminal histories, existing deportation orders, or other violations and taking them into custody.

Upon beginning his second term on January 20, President Donald Trump issued executive orders calling for enhanced illegal immigration enforcement. Since then, ICE has arrested 7412 illegal immigrants, according to reports.