The Los Angeles Police Department is monitoring what they call a “non-permitted” demonstration in downtown L.A. involving people opposed to President Donald Trump’s deportation and immigration policies.
A large crowd gathered near Los Angeles City Hall just before noon and, a short time later, began marching towards Grand Park.
According to the LAPD, the march is “not-permitted” and is being closely watched by officers on the ground and in the air.
Some of the demonstrators are students, the LAPD spokesperson said. Sky5 footage showed protesters standing in the bed of a truck as hundreds of others walked down the street waving flags and banners.
People operating heavy equipment were seen in Grand Park, although it was not immediately clear if they were setting up or taking down what appeared to be scaffolding for a stage.
In the wake of Trump’s swearing-in last month, protests surrounding his deportation and immigration policies have popped up nationwide, including multiple in downtown Los Angeles.
The first major one occurred on Feb. 2 and involved protesters blocking part of the 101 Freeway and many city streets for several hours. Police in riot gear clashed with demonstrators well into the evening as multiple street closures were ordered.
The following day, demonstrators gathered again as part of the nationwide “Day Without Immigrants” protest campaign but stuck to surface streets.
A third successive day of protesting took place on Feb. 4, and this group was made up of several hundred students from a local high school; since then, students have continued walking out of school to protest as Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho warned pupils and families that district officials were “aware” of fake ICE agents approaching students. LAUSD schools have been distributing “Know Your Rights” cards to help immigrant families assert their constitutional rights.
In another Trump immigration protest in downtown L.A. on Feb. 7, a teen was sent to the hospital in critical condition after being stabbed during an altercation.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
Sofia Pop Perez contributed to this report.
