Los Angeles police and other local law enforcement agencies were "monitoring all potential demonstrations throughout the city" as more than 3,000 local protesters gathered for an afternoon convergence at L.A. City Hall. No arrests were made, authorities said.
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"We need to show people that you can't ... just sit at home quietly and accept it," said a demonstrator who gave his name as Alex C. "You have to speak out and you have to set the example for other people to stand up and speak out too."
Another protester, Yessy Camacho, said of Trump: "I just don't want my family to be destroyed because he's going to deport many Mexicans, many Salvadoreans, many Puerto Ricans -- anybody that's Latino, basically."
At least two major demonstrations were held around Los Angeles on Friday - one which started at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights and another near Staples Center, organized by more than 90 groups.
Activists denounced several of Trump's policies - especially his proposed efforts to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
Other local protests were held across the city, such as the "Caravan of Justice" in South L.A., which includes several dozen groups like Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Los Angeles Community Action Network and United Teachers Los Angeles.
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The demonstration began in Leimert Park with about 100 activists, who were traveling by bus around the city and stopping at several sites to voice their concerns.
The L.A. Unified School District declared Friday as "Unity Day 2017" at its campuses "to encourage students to participate in the civic-engagement process and to promote schools as safe and appropriate venues for meaningful dialogue about the presidential election," according to the district.
In Santa Ana, a group of about 50 protesters turned violent, throwing rocks and bottles at police officers. There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.
Ernesto Rocha was among the demonstrators who took to the streets of Long Beach.
"Enough of the racism, enough of the discrimination," he said. "We're going to stand united against every single one of (Trump's) policies when he tries to attack any individuals from our community."
Meantime, the United States Postal Service retail units around the downtown L.A. area will be closed for the day due to the demonstrations, according to a USPS press release. The offices include the Arcade Post Office, the Arco Post Office, the Bunker Hill Post Office, the Federal Post Office and the Macy's Post Office. All normal business hours will resume Monday.