During the march that began in Boyle Heights at 11 a.m. on Sunday, activist Dolores Huerta said that in her entire life she had never seen such disrespect toward the migrant community and undocumented people living and working in the United States.

“You can pick the flowers, but you can’t stop the spring,” said the legendary activist, quoting poet Pablo Neruda.

Peter Lechuga and Alejandra López, both first-generation Mexican immigrants, traveled from Pomona to join the march against the ICE raids.

“We are here fighting for the people because this is a beautiful community,” Lechuga said at the demonstration organized by the activist group Centro CSO. “The United States is built on our work, and what’s happening right now is disgusting.”

The group of protesters marched toward the detention center in downtown Los Angeles, where the scene was intense, with hundreds of people in the area shouting at the National Guard, which had arrived early Sunday morning.

There were several hundred federal agents armed with rifles and riot shields, activated by President Trump because the government is seeking to "focus on the lawlessness that has been allowed to grow," according to a White House statement.

One of the leaders of the CSO, Gabriel Quiroz, asked protesters to flee the area if they wanted to avoid being attacked by officers.

Later, the LAPD formed up between Temple and Alameda streets, where some protesters began throwing water bottles or rocks.

Alex Vera, a young activist with migrant parents, stood between the protesters who were trying to harm the police or police officers who were trying to harm the protesters.

"I was simply doing what I believed was right," Vera said.

After the violence between the two sides had subsided for a while, the young woman said she was shocked by the increase in protesters, but maintained that peaceful protests were necessary.

“I really liked what Martin Luther King did because he was a huge advocate for peaceful protests. Violence doesn’t end violence, and I totally agree with that,” Vera said. “I hope more people who think like that can come out and create a barrier between those who don’t understand and the police.”

Samantha Zuniga took her 10-year-old son, Max, to his first demonstration to teach him the importance of standing up for his rights. They both arrived just in time to see authorities fire tear gas canisters into the crowds. Fortunately, they weren’t affected.

“The reason I’m here… is to let [Max] know that the way they treat immigrants is not right and that this country was founded thanks to immigrants,” Zuniga said. “We have to fight for what we believe in, and also to let him know that we are proud of who we are.”

By around 4 p.m., the demonstration was still escalating, and some Angelenos had already blocked the northbound 101 Freeway.

Schools Must Remain as Safe Havens

Seeing the increase in raids, protests, and violence across Southern California throughout the weekend, Superintendent Alberto Carvlaho issued a statement expressing his concern for students and emphasizing that schools must remain as places of refuge.

“These actions are causing unnecessary fear, confusion, and trauma for our students and families, many of whom are simply trying to get to and from school, work, and live with dignity,” the superintendent said.

“Our schools must remain safe havens—places where every child can learn, grow, and thrive without fear of being separated from their loved ones. The presence of federal immigration enforcement activity near our campuses threatens that fundamental right. Children deserve support, not surveillance.”

Carvalho emphasized that LAUSD will continue to provide resources, support, and information to protect students and their families and maintain their well-being and safety.

“We are working with school leaders, security teams, and community partners to ensure that the affected schools remain a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for all students and families,” the superintendent said in a statement.

Additionally, LAUSD suggests that any parent or family member who observes immigration activity should contact their school, use the LASAR app, and/or call the LAUSD Family Hotline at 213-443-1300.