October 5, 2025

Protests Erupt in LA Against Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies

News Summary

Hundreds gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest against ICE raids and immigration policies under the Trump administration. The rally, titled ‘We The People Are Rising,’ featured support from local unions, immigration rights organizations, and politicians, all demanding an end to oppressive tactics against immigrant communities. Local leaders emphasized the destructive impact of these policies on businesses and community well-being, urging solidarity for immigrant rights amid escalating fears of federal enforcement actions.

Los Angeles – Hundreds of individuals gathered on Saturday morning at the 6th Street Bridge in downtown Los Angeles to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies during an event titled “We The People Are Rising.” The protest aimed to raise awareness about the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and racial profiling in immigrant communities.

The rally saw participation from more than a dozen local unions, immigration rights organizations, and elected officials. Demonstrators demanded an end to ICE operations and called for the protection of immigrant rights amid growing concerns about safety and community well-being.

David Huerta, president of SEIU-USWW and SEIU Local 1000, highlighted the oppressive nature of the current administration’s tactics, portraying them as cruel measures designed to silence immigrant voices. He criticized the portrayal of immigrants as enemies and condemned the anger and cruelty exhibited through federal immigration policies.

Yungsu Kim, a local business owner, expressed fears regarding the impact of federal agent raids, noting that many businesses have suffered from decreased foot traffic in areas like Koreatown. Some establishments have been forced to shut down temporarily or may face permanent closure due to lost clientele stemming from the unfounded fear of raids.

Local Councilmember Ysabel Jurado denounced the administration’s strategy of using fear as a political tool, asserting that it undermines essential services within communities. Additionally, State Senator Maria Ladoso drew parallels between the current political climate and past instances where political figures exploited racial divides for power, emphasizing the community’s demand for dignity and respect.

The event was led by Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. She encouraged participants to continue their opposition against ICE’s presence in their communities, reinforcing the call for solidarity among immigrant advocates. The crowd enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere, amplified by the local band Los Jornaleros Del Norte, who performed from a moving bus amidst enthusiastic chants.

Despite the intense nature of the protest, participants maintained a positive spirit, fostering a sense of community and resilience. One attendee, known as Big G, raised concerns over ICE’s aggressive tactics, likening them to “vicious and brutal kidnappings without due process.” The protests stem from recent ICE raids that have created widespread unrest and fear, particularly within immigrant populations in Los Angeles.

The impact of these federal actions has been stark, with noticeable declines in business activity in various districts negatively affecting local economies. Lawmakers and community leaders took this opportunity to express their support for maintaining sanctuary protections while opposing federal immigration enforcement in sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals.

This protest is part of a larger wave of demonstrations across the country against the administration’s strict immigration policies, reflecting a growing sentiment of dissent in cities nationwide. The outcry against ICE tactics and policies underscores a community united by the shared goal of safeguarding immigrant rights and welfare.