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Hundreds gather to protest immigration raids and the budget bill in downtown Los Angeles.

Protests Erupt in Los Angeles Over Immigration Raids

Last week, Lawrence Herrera started carrying a foldable version of his birth certificate in his wallet, along with saving passport photos in his phone. This may seem a bit excessive for a 67-year-old resident of Atwater Village, but he felt it was necessary.

“He’s taken everyone and everyone,” Herrera remarked, adding, “What do you know? It could be me.”

Herrera was among the hundreds of demonstrators in downtown Los Angeles on July 4th, protesting against recent immigration raids and a spike in federal funding that has caused unrest in the community. Many protesters opted to skip traditional barbecues and fireworks, instead gathering at city hall, often dressed in patriotic attire. A large balloon depicting President Trump in Russian military garb floated in Grand Park.

Erica Ortiz, 49, dressed as Lady Liberty in a provocative outfit. Herrera donned an inventive war costume adorned with anti-Trump pins, deeming it fitting for the occasion. “What do you think? We’re not independent right now,” he expressed, explaining their presence.

The protesters marched out of the federal buildings that host the immigration court, brandishing signs as they moved through Olvera Street. Although several police officers monitored the event, they remained at a distance as the rally stretched for hours.

“There is no better occupation! There is no more deportation!” chanted the rally-goers.

Inside the federal buildings, military personnel stood guard, lined up with shields and firearms.

Jacob Moreno, an English teacher from Rialto, held a sign that read “Funeral for Freedom We Pretend.” He reflected that the mood felt more intense than during last month’s “No Kings” demonstration. The recently introduced “Big Beautiful Bill” could escalate deportations and inject about $150 billion into border enforcement.

“This situation will only make this occupation worse,” Moreno remarked. He mentioned that some of his students and their families lack documentation, and he and his daughter have started a program to provide school supplies and hygiene products to those afraid to leave their homes for work.

“I’m here to support my students, my community, and ultimately be on the right side of history,” he said.

Christina Munoz Brown from North Hollywood echoed similar thoughts. “I’m desperate for my people. I want to show up,” she stated, noting how the fashion district where she works has turned into a “ghost town” since the raids began.

Councilman Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) addressed the crowd, labeling the budget bill “a big beautiful scam.” He criticized the disproportionate immigration spending in the U.S., stating, “ICE has more money than the city of Los Angeles.”

The city continues to face backlash over protests in response to numerous National Guard deployments and ICE raids across the region.

Targeted operations have affected day laborers at car washes and Home Depot parking lots, leading to fear among immigrants. “There’s too much to protest right now,” said Hunter Dan of the 50501 Movement, who organized the July 4th rally.

Federal agents, masked and often driving unmarked vehicles, have conducted aggressive raids since early June, prompting widespread demonstrations.

Trump deployed over 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to the LA area to secure federal buildings amid this unrest. Recently, about 150 security guards were released from their protest-related duties.

The situation has increased tensions between local leaders and the Trump administration. Public disputes are unfolding online and in court.

Mayor Karen Bass updated her stance on social media, criticizing Trump’s actions that exacerbate fears in Los Angeles. “They came for our neighbors. Workplaces were raided, tearing families apart, even U.S. citizens,” she wrote, calling the situation “political theater with human costs.”

Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom is in legal battles with the Trump administration over the deployment of security forces without his approval. This week, the administration filed a lawsuit against Bass and the City Council, claiming the city’s sanctuary laws are illegal, which restrict the use of city resources for immigration enforcement.

On Wednesday, immigration rights groups and public advocates, including the ACLU of Southern California, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in federal court, aiming to halt what they call “continuing patterns of violating constitutional and federal law” during LA’s immigration raids.