Skip to Content
Protests

Amid Wildfires, Hundreds Peacefully Protest Mass Deportation Threats In Downtown Los Angeles

Many of the protestors were children of immigrants, as well as young people born in the city, appearing there on behalf of their parents, who are living in fear amid widespread allegations of ICE Raids on the city’s streets.

Protestors gathered at City Hall on Sunday. Photo by David Lopez.

Up to 900 people reportedly showed up to protest against deportation on Olvera Street yesterday, amid unconfirmed rumors and reports of ICE raids around the city . The peaceful protest was organized by makeup artist and activist Emily Tovar, who spoke passionately multiple times at the rally and led the mass of protestors safely through Downtown Los Angeles. The large group marched to City Hall and back. 

L.A. TACO contributing photographer David Lopez attended the last-minute protest. He confirmed through interviews there that many of the protestors were children of immigrants, as well as young people born in the city, appearing there on behalf of their parents, who are living in fear amid widespread allegations of ICE Raids on the city’s streets.

According to a report in L.A. Times, the initial claims of large-scale immigration enforcement operations being conducted in Los Angeles during a national emergency have been debunked. The Times report goes into detail and includes a statement from the Department of Homeland Security which says, “DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status.”

Nonetheless, organized just one week before Trump’s inauguration, following his loud, anti-immigrant campaign promises, the protest was still a resounding show of force of L.A. residents standing against mass deportations.

Lopez shared the following photos with us. 

Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.
Photo by David Lopez.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Photo Essay: Dodger Opening Day Portraits From Vin Scully Avenue

A photographer sets up his own pop-up studio to get to know the fans.

March 28, 2025

Where To Find Turkish Coffee Brewed In Hot Sand and a BBQ Pork Pop-Up In South Central

We've also got new specialties from Michoacán, a Chinese-Peruvian pop-up, and Maine lobster dashi pasta. But only for our members.

March 28, 2025

A Running List of Mom N’ Pop Businesses In Danger Of Closing That Need Community Support Right Now

It feels like almost every other month, we hear about a business closing its doors or attempting to stay open. To help these businesses stay open rather than report on them once they’ve closed, we created this ongoing list of restaurants and businesses in Los Angeles that need the most support. Did we miss any? Let us know which ones also need love in the comments.

March 28, 2025

How the Old L.A. Zoo Was Turned Into Police Academy 2’s Punk Hideout, 40 Years Ago

A large portion of Police Academy 2 was filmed in and around the Toy District, as well as bits of Skid Row and the Fashion District. But it was our Old Zoo that enjoyed the most screen-time.

March 27, 2025

Villa’s Tacos Opens Taquería #3 Specializing In ‘L.A.-Baja-Style’ Fish Tacos In Highland Park

The three-time TACO MADNESS champion, proudly born and raised in Highland Park, took over the beloved former location of Tacos Estrella, where he grew up eating. More than 3,000 loyal customers came out to the the grand opening, happily waiting hours to try his fish, shrimp, octopus tacos, and even a special "Mar y Tierra" taco with A5 Wagyu.

March 26, 2025
See all posts