Immigration Protest Closes Downtown LA Intersection, 101 Freeway Ramps
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Immigration protesters blocked a downtown Los Angeles intersection near the federal building in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday.
Several dozen protesters gathered about 8 a.m. at Los Angeles and Temple streets, some of whom sat down on the pavement while others walked in a circle around them. LAPD's Central Bureau was placed on tactical alert during the protest.
A news release from the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance said they were protesting President Obama's raids targeting Central American women and children refugees.
A few hours later, police announced to the protesters that the gathering was considered an "unlawful assembly" and ordered them to disperse, said Los Angeles police Officer Matt Ludwig.
The protesters who were standing moved away from the intersection, but several protesters remained lying on the ground, their arms entwined and covered in lengths of pipe that had to be cut by authorities, police said.
Those protesters were then taken into custody.
The intersection was closed, and police routed traffic away from the area during the protest. The California Highway Patrol briefly closed the Hollywood (101) Freeway onramps and offramps at Los Angeles Street.
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