Recent Immigration Protests
BY NHI VUONG
Los Angeles Protest – 2/2
Last Sunday, thousands of activists rallied in downtown Los Angeles. These protesters shut down a section of the 101 Freeway, challenging President Trump’s severe measures on illegal immigration and his aggressive deportation policies. The highway was covered in Mexican and Salvadorian flags; protesters blocked traffic at Spring and Temple streets, surrounded by honking horns and encouraging messages from passing motorists. Protesters blasted a variety of traditional and the latest Mexican songs from a loudspeaker, dancing on the road dressed in traditional clothing. These passionate protests continued into the evening, lasting multiple hours.
After a citywide alert was issued around 7:00 pm, police officers were sent downtown in riot gear. These officers were equipped with helmets, batons, and other forms of weapons. The protest was unfortunately coming to an end, the 101 Freeway opening back up at 8:00 pm.
Denver Protest – 2/5
Gathering at around 11:00 am, a small group of protesters began waving Mexican flags along Lincoln Street. They received loud honks from passing cars, and the number of protesters quickly expanded. While waving their flags, the crowd chanted and carried signs that criticized Trump and Elon Musk. By noon, the group of demonstrators forced Lincoln Street to be closed. After the closure of Lincoln, they turned to march around the Capitol. Organizers planned this protest at the Capitol as part of a nationwide day of action called “50 States, 50 Protests.” At the same time as the protest, thousands of marchers were gathering at the state capitals in Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and Indiana. During these protests, some marchers burned incense or handed out fliers about how to respond to federal immigration raids. Cars and trucks attempted to move among the difficult crowd, occupants dancing and chanting near the Denver City and County Building. Police, who largely kept their distance from the marchers, eventually closed streets as protesters circled around the building. As the afternoon wore on, protesters returned to the Capitol to chant and pass the microphone. Legislators and Capitol staffers observed from windows, taking photos from the House’s balcony. This protest was part of a nationwide movement, heartening many people. “I hope that every protest gets bigger and bigger,” one of the protesters said.
Cites –
https://www.latimes.com
https://www.denverpost.com
