The protest began around 9 a.m., with protesters blocking all lanes of U.S. 101 for over five hours, causing significant traffic disruptions.

Concerns were raised regarding potential delays for Grammy attendees due to the blocked roads, although no delays for the ceremony were anticipated.

On February 2, 2025, thousands of demonstrators gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest against President Donald Trump's immigration policies and planned mass deportations.

Demonstrators started their march at Olvera Street, a historic site, and proceeded to City Hall, advocating for immigration reform with slogans like 'Nobody is illegal.'

Similar protests occurred across the U.S. in the past week, including in Dallas, where approximately 1,600 people protested against recent ICE arrests.

In early 2025, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, promising the largest deportation effort in U.S. history and deploying troops to enhance border enforcement.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that it took more than five hours to fully reopen the freeway after the protest, and there were no immediate arrests.

Many protesters displayed Mexican and Salvadoran flags while playing a mix of traditional and contemporary Mexican music, emphasizing their cultural pride.

As the protest continued into the afternoon, the crowd swelled to several thousand, with signs expressing solidarity and criticism of Trump's stance on immigration.

The protest was a direct response to Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown and recent initiation of deportation flights, as highlighted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Protester Rey expressed frustration that protests against Trump were necessary again, reflecting a broader sentiment among demonstrators.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office directed inquiries to the CHP, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was unavailable for comment.