Protest erupts in downtown Los Angeles over surge in ICE raids, some demonstrators block 101 Freeway

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preCharge News CALIFORNIA — A large crowd gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday in response to the recent increase in ICE raids and deportations.

The protest initially began on Olvera Street, but grew to a few thousand people who marched to City Hall before walking onto the 101 Freeway.

The California Highway Patrol’s Transportation Management Center reported that some protesters were blocking some lanes, though the CHP has not confirmed any closures.

Please avoid the 101 freeway in DTLA between I-110 and Mission Rd., as we work to remove a protest from the freeway. Accessing state highways or roads to protest is unlawful and extremely dangerous because it puts protesters, motorists and first responders at great risk of injury
— CHP Southern (@CHPsouthern) February 2, 2025

However, the California Department of Transportation District 7 reported on X that the 101 Freeway was closed in both directions between the 110 Freeway and Mission Road, advising drivers to avoid the area. Meanwhile, the LAPD reported major gridlock along Spring Street, Main Street, Los Angeles Street, Arcadia Street, and both northbound and southbound lanes of the 101 Freeway.

TRAFFIC ALERT ‼ Avoid travel in Downtown Los Angeles at this time. The 101 is closed in both directions between the 110 Freeway and Mission Road due to a protest and police activity. Avoid the area. Use other routes. See updates at https://t.co/O37QesJHpw #DTLA pic.twitter.com/qUPTJHjyMf
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) February 2, 2025

At around 4 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Central Division officers reported that the protesters had exited the freeway, making their way to converge on the steps of City Hall.

Traffic delays were already reported in downtown near Crypto.com Arena, where some streets were closed for the Grammy Awards on Sunday.

Since his inauguration, President Trump has upheld his campaign pledge to significantly increase the number of deportations, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting raids in major cities.