Mass demonstrations against President Trump’s immigration policies have sparked a wave of protests in downtown Los Angeles, where students have taken to the streets to voice their concerns. The protests, now in their third day, have seen a surge in participation, with hundreds of students walking out of classes to join the march. Amidst the crowds waving flags from Mexico and other Latin American countries, one adult protester was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism.
The demonstrations began in the morning and gained momentum as the day progressed, drawing attention to the escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that a man participating in the protest was arrested for vandalizing several buildings and a Waymo vehicle. The LAPD issued a dispersal order and declared an unlawful assembly around Los Angeles City Hall after reports of students throwing rocks and bottles at officers.
The scene at City Hall was marked by slogans spray-painted on buildings, including phrases like “F— Trump,” “F— ICE,” and another in Spanish that roughly translates to “F— Border Patrol/ICE.” The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles also fell victim to the vandalism, with messages like “Viva La Raza” and “F— Trump” defacing the building. A spokesperson for the museum lamented the costly repairs needed due to the march-related vandalism, underscoring the impact of these protests on local institutions.
The protests in Los Angeles are part of a larger movement that started on Sunday, with thousands gathering downtown to shut down a section of the 101 Freeway. Monday saw a continuation of the protests, as students skipped class and businesses closed in solidarity with the national movement called “A Day Without Immigrants.” The Los Angeles Unified School District reported a significant drop in attendance, with only 66% of students present compared to the usual 93%.
Amidst the chaos and activism, personal stories emerged from the participants, shedding light on the motivations behind their actions. Nicole Fefferman, an educator with the UCLA Labor Center, witnessed students from Garfield High School walking off campus to join the protests, alongside peers from other LAUSD schools. Messages of solidarity and pride adorned the walls of Garfield, with students sharing sentiments like “Immigrants make America great again” and “Mexicans make the world go round.”
One student, Nathan, a senior at Garfield, spoke out about the importance of standing up for the Latino community and challenging misconceptions. He emphasized the contributions of Latinos to the fabric of American society, calling for recognition and respect. His words echoed the sentiments of many participants, who sought to highlight the vital role immigrants play in shaping the nation.
The protests reflect a broader national conversation on immigration policy and the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Since taking office, President Trump has implemented stringent measures to curb immigration, including plans for mass deportations and heightened border security. His executive orders have faced legal challenges, but the impact on immigrant communities remains significant.
With an estimated 11 to 15 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including over 2 million in California alone, the stakes of these protests are high. As tensions continue to escalate, the voices of students, activists, and community members in Los Angeles stand as a reminder of the human stories behind the policies and politics. Their actions speak to a broader struggle for justice, equality, and recognition in a changing landscape of immigration policy.