Protesters Take to the Streets in Los Angeles to Decry Trump’s Actions
Hundreds of protesters walked out of school and off the job to march in downtown Los Angeles, expressing their opposition to President Trump’s actions during his first year back in office. The “Free America Walkout” at Los Angeles City Hall was one of dozens of rallies taking place across Southern California and the nation, coordinated by the Women’s March.
The event aimed to demonstrate opposition to violent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, the increased presence of military personnel in cities, Trump’s harmful immigration policies toward families, and escalating attacks on transgender rights. Protesters marched along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, carrying signs with slogans such as “Democracy doesn’t fear protest, dictators do” and “We choose freedom over fascism.”
Protests Erupt Across Southern California
Similar marches took place in Burbank, Long Beach, and Santa Monica, with scores of students from Garfield and Roosevelt high schools in East L.A. ditching class to join the downtown rally. According to protester Mario Noguera, who spoke to ABC7 News, “I just don’t know if he’s [Trump] actually done anything that is positive. Everything’s been about depleting everything: resources, rights. I just don’t feel like we’re getting anywhere.”
The walkout took place on the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration, which he commemorated with a nearly two-hour news conference, touting his administration’s accomplishments. Trump claimed that his administration had achieved more than any other in history, citing his tariffs, immigration crackdown, economic growth, and actions in Gaza and Venezuela.
Organizers Highlight Collective Power
The Free America Walkout began at 2 p.m. in cities across the U.S. and was designed to differ from mass weekend actions by deliberately taking place during the workday. Organizers stated that whereas protests demonstrate collective anger, walkouts demonstrate collective power, making visible the impact of labor, participation, and cooperation being taken for granted.
In downtown L.A., protesters condemned the effects of ICE raids locally and in Minneapolis, where a federal agent recently shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a wife and mother. This month, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Los Angeles as part of the “ICE Out for Good” weekend of action, a national protest movement in response to Good’s killing.
Roxanne Hoge, chair of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, criticized the stream of local anti-Trump protests, stating that “their boring, predictable tantrums are now part of the L.A. landscape, much like the dilapidated RVs and dangerous encampments that their policies result in.”
For more information on the “Free America Walkout” and the protests against Trump’s actions, visit Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
