Protests held across SoCal as part of nationwide 'Day Without Immigrants' movement
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Protests took place across Southern California Monday for a "Day Without Immigrants," a nationwide movement aimed at showing the importance of immigrants in the U.S.
The campaign, which condemns President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan, calls for immigrants and supporters to stay at home and urges businesses to close. Trump has attempted to end birthright citizenship and moved to end temporary protected status for more than 300,000 Venezuelans who were authorized to work in the U.S. He also closed the CBP one app, the main avenue for people seeking asylum.
A group of demonstrators gathered at City Hall Monday morning and marched through downtown Los Angeles. A similar protest was held outside the federal courthouse in Santa Ana and in the city of Perris along Nuevo Road and Perris Boulevard.
Protesters were seen carrying flags, signs and spraying graffiti on nearby property, including on the U.S. Courthouse sign where it read "No one is illegal on stolen land".
At around 4:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department issued a dispersal order. About 15 minutes earlier, all freeway on and off ramps were closed from Alameda to Broadway and Cesar Chavez to 3rd Street as demonstrators stood over the 101 Freeway, according to LAPD.
Hundreds of people continued protesting in downtown hours after the dispersal order was issued.
By 9 p.m., the crowd had begun to disperse but there were still hundreds of people protesting in downtown after LAPD formed skirmish lines and were working to move protesters away from the overpasses of the101 Freeway.
LAPD said officers made contact with demonstrators inside the tunnel area on Cesar Chavez Avenue between Alameda and Vignes streets.
Video from the scene showed several people being detained by LAPD officers, but released moments later.
The bus services were also halted. All MTA bus traffic was rerouted from the Civic Center and El Pueblo area.
This comes after thousands of people protested in downtown on Sunday and temporarily blocked the 101 Freeway.
Protesters gathered in the morning on historic Olvera Street, which dates to Spanish and Mexican rule, before marching to city hall. They called for immigration reform and carried banners with slogans like "Nobody is illegal."
Eyewitnesses voice their concerns
The two women who organized the Orange County event spoke with Eyewitness News and said the immigrant community is more than just a workforce.
"We're a community," one of them said. "We're humans as well. We do so much for our family and friends. We're here for our people. We're here to fight, and show that we can do so much more than just what they call us to do."
One father and grandfather who was present at the downtown Los Angeles demonstration said he feared deportation, but wanted to send a message by showing up.
He said, "Sadly, freely, I cry because I've been in this country more than 35 years." He went on to say that his children and grandchildren were born here.
"I wish I could see Trump in the harvest fields, the way we get the food he eats, that he takes to his tables," he added. "Why doesn't he ride, for a day or two, the train of death that all immigrants ride suffering to make it to this country."
A recent University of California, Riverside graduate wanted to send a message to the president by protesting in her cap and gown.
"There are tons of people who love this country and want the best for it," Julia said. "There's tons of controversial opinions. We can get into immigration and all, but at the heart of it, there's thousands of people like me. I just want to work, just want to get an education."
A counter protester, a Mexican immigrant who moved to the United States in 1990, was also present at the protest.
"Nobody enters any house without permission," said Gabriela Diaz. "When they cross the border, they're becoming criminals."
Protest brings mother and daughter together
One mother recalled taking her young daughter to a similar protest in 2006. At the time, her daughter was in a stroller. Now, she's a young adult, and the two protested side by side.
"I just want them to know that their voices are heard, and we're here for them ... I learned from an amazing example," the daughter said.
"They've grown up and lived with us as immigrants," said the mother about her daughter's generation. "I believe now is their turn."
Businesses close as part of movement
Several businesses decide to close for the day to participate in the campaign.
Joan's on Third, a popular restaurant in Los Angeles, announced it would be closed on Monday in support of immigrant families.
"Immigrants are the soul of Joan's on Third," read a post on the restaurant's Instagram. "They have come here to dream, seek safety & opportunity and to build better lives for their families. We recognize the invaluable contribution of our immigrant community. Without you, we would not be here. A day without immigrants is a day for us all to reflect and honor the strength of our community."
South LA Cafe also said it would be closed on Monday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
