Immigration Protest Forces Freeway Ramp Closures

A group of people protesting immigration policies blocked an intersection near the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles today, and some were taken into custody.

Several dozen protesters gathered about 8 a.m. near Los Angeles and Temple streets, and some of them lay down on the pavement while others walked in a circle around them. Some said they were protesting deportations of Central American immigrants.

The intersection was closed, and police routed traffic away from the area. The California Highway Patrol closed the Hollywood (101) Freeway onramps and offramps at Los Angeles Street.

Late this morning, police announced to the protesters that the gathering was considered an “unlawful assembly” and ordered them to disperse, said Los Angeles police Officer Matt Ludwig.

The protesters who were standing moved away from the intersection, but several protesters remained lying on the ground, their arms entwined and covered in lengths of pipe that had to be cut by authorities, police said. Those protesters were then taken into custody.

The LAPD’s Central Bureau was placed on tactical alert during the protest, which allows commanders to hold officers over at the end of their shifts.

City News Service