UPDATE: Hundreds of Angelenos gathered this morning at the 6th Street Bridge in downtown Los Angeles to protest against the Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies. The rally, titled “We The People Are Rising,” drew a coalition of over a dozen local unions, immigration rights organizations, and elected officials, all demanding an immediate end to ICE raids and restoration of vital healthcare access.
Participants expressed deep concerns over the chilling effects of federal immigration enforcement on local communities. David Huerta, labor president of SEIU-USWW and SEIU Local 1000, delivered a powerful keynote address. “Trump wants to silence voices,” he declared, urging attendees to raise their voices against the administration’s tactics, which he labeled as “cruel.”
The protest comes against a backdrop of increasing fear among immigrant populations, with many businesses seeing a dramatic decrease in foot traffic. Yungsu Kim, a 21-year-old participant, highlighted the economic impact, stating, “People are afraid to go out right now… you aren’t seeing customers. Everyone is suffering.”
The atmosphere in once-bustling neighborhoods like Koreatown has shifted dramatically, with businesses fearing long-term closures due to ICE’s aggressive actions. Vendors at the Santa Fe Springs Swapmeet, for example, reported significant drops in clientele following a militarized visit from federal agents in June.
Local leaders voiced their frustration during the rally. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado criticized the administration’s “fear and cruelty” as a political strategy, stating, “We are sick and tired of these political stunts.” She called attention to the administration’s healthcare policies, which she claims undermine workers and punish families.
Echoing this sentiment, State Senator Maria Ladoso remarked, “We’ve seen this sh— before,” invoking past political strategies that exploited immigrant communities. “ICE will not go into our schools. ICE will not go into our hospitals. Keep ICE out of L.A. and California,” she asserted.
The crowd was energized by the sounds of local band Los Jornaleros Del Norte, who played from a moving bus, inspiring chants of unity and resistance. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, led the march with fervor, shouting, “Las calles son del pueblo (The streets belong to the people).”
Despite the serious nature of the protest, there was a palpable sense of community and positivity among participants. Street vendors offered refreshments, and onlookers from nearby apartments captured the moment on their phones, showcasing a city rallying for change.
As the day progressed, the call for action resonated throughout Los Angeles. Big G, a resident from Garvanza, emphasized the urgency of the situation, recounting personal experiences with ICE. “My whole life has been based in this city. I love this city and I love all immigrants across the country; they don’t deserve to be treated like this,” he stated.
The rally not only highlighted the immediate challenges faced by immigrant communities but also set the stage for continued activism against ICE’s practices. As Los Angeles remains a focal point for these critical discussions, observers are urged to stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing battle for rights and respect.
The movement is a clear signal that Angelenos are united and determined to fight back against policies they deem unjust, demanding an end to fear and a restoration of dignity and healthcare for all.
