On January 20, 2026, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles as part of the nationwide "Free America Walkout." This event aimed to demonstrate opposition to President Trump's policies during his second term, particularly focusing on immigration enforcement and civil rights issues.
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latimes.comabc7.comThe protests were organized by the Women's March and occurred not only in Los Angeles but also in various locations across Southern California, including Pasadena, Burbank, Long Beach, and Santa Monica.The walkout encouraged participants to leave school and work at 2 pm, aiming to disrupt "business as usual" and showcase the collective power of the demonstrators.
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latimes.comabc7.comAmong the protesters was Mario Noguera, who expressed frustration over Trump's administration, stating, "I just don't know if he's actually done anything that is positive" and criticized the administration's impact on resources and rights.
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latimes.comabc7.comParticipants carried signs with messages like "Democracy doesn't fear protest, dictators do" and "We choose freedom over fascism," reflecting their commitment to standing against perceived authoritarianism in the government.
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latimes.comThe timing of the walkout coincided with the anniversary of Trump's inauguration, which he celebrated with a lengthy press conference touting his administration's accomplishments.Trump claimed his presidency had achieved more than any other in US history, citing successes in various areas including immigration and the economy.However, many protesters vehemently disagreed, calling attention to the detrimental effects of his policies on immigrants and marginalized communities.
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latimes.comabc7.comIn Los Angeles, the protest began at City Hall and included a march through downtown, during which police maintained a watchful presence.Reports indicated that students, particularly from schools in East LA, participated en masse, leaving classes to join the demonstration.This collective action aimed to amplify the voices of those affected by the administration's policies, particularly concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and military presence in urban areas.
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abc7.comkpbs.orgThe protests were not limited to Los Angeles; similar actions unfolded in San Diego, where students from Lincoln High School organized their own walkout.Sheila Benitez, one of the student leaders, articulated the fear that current immigration enforcement policies instilled in families, stating that such policies create an environment of terror for parents taking their children to school or running daily errands.
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kpbs.orgcbs8.comOrganizers of the "Free America Walkout" emphasized that these actions signify a refusal to accept the current state of governance and an assertion of community solidarity against oppressive practices.As the protests unfolded, demonstrators were reminded of their role in advocating for civil rights and the welfare of immigrant families, who have faced increased scrutiny and hostility under the Trump administration.
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abc7.comcsulauniversitytimes.comDespite the significant turnout, there were no immediate reports of arrests during the protests, indicating that the demonstrations remained largely peaceful.Local Republican Party officials criticized the protests as predictable and ineffective, arguing that they had become a regular feature in the Los Angeles landscape, alongside other ongoing social issues in the city.
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latimes.comAs the protest movement continues, it remains to be seen how these collective actions will influence the political landscape in Los Angeles and beyond, particularly in the face of an administration that many view as increasingly authoritarian.The "Free America Walkout" served as a reminder of the ongoing resistance against policies perceived as harmful to democracy and human rights.
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latimes.comcsulauniversitytimes.comThe protests across Southern California signify a growing momentum among activists eager to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.The widespread nature of these demonstrations reflects a collective determination to confront the escalating challenges posed by the current administration and to uphold the values of freedom and justice for all.
