Protesters from The Contra Tiempo Artivist Theater at Grand Park in Los Angeles, Calif., June 9, 2025. | Photo: Ariana Drehsler / The Verge
On Monday after a weekend of demonstrations, hundreds of people flocked to Downtown Los Angeles for another round – to support loved ones who’ve been detained during recent immigration protests or ICE raids, and to face off with National Guard troops deployed by President Donald Trump.
Helicopters circled over an event led by unions to protest the Friday arrest of labor leader David Huerta, who was ordered released on $50,000 bail as demonstrators marched. Speakers on a stage led prayers and chants: “Freedom now” and “sí se puede.” In the shadow of LA’s city hall, participants held up signs reading “ICE out of LA”, “Keep LA families together”, “Educación no deportación.”
When the morning rally came to a close and more demonstrators arrived, a march began through downtown, headed toward the detention center in Los Angeles. Organizers on microphones shouted “Peaceful protesting, no tagging!” as youth with hoodies pulled tight around their faces spray painted “fuck ICE” on buildings lining the streets.
“Join us! You think Elon Musk gives a fuck?” a blond woman wearing a pink bandana yelled at a group of officers, her voice cracking.
A band cruising alongside on an open flatbed …
