Thousands rally in LA against Trump’s immigration policies during Grammy weekend

Thousands of anti-ICE protesters took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2, 2025, during Grammy weekend, voicing opposition to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. The demonstration escalated as activists blocked both sides of the 101 Freeway near the Alameda Street exit, prompting the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to shut down the freeway.

The protest, which began near City Hall, saw demonstrators waving Mexican and Salvadoran flags, chanting against deportations, and carrying signs that read “No more ICE raids, no more fear” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Music blared from loudspeakers, including "Por mi México" by Lefty SM & Santa Fe Klan, amplifying the event's cultural significance.

Nailah Esparza, 18, joined the protest after seeing it gain traction on TikTok, saying young people feel a responsibility to stand up against ICE raids and mass deportations. Another demonstrator, identified only as Rey, expressed frustration, stating, “We thought we were done with his administration. Now we have to do this again.”

Though the protest remained largely peaceful, tensions rose when a silver Mustang performed donuts at an intersection, prompting police intervention. The demonstration reached its peak as hundreds of protesters flooded the 101 Freeway, waving flags from overpasses while authorities attempted to disperse the crowd.