Soccer enthusiasts in Los Angeles showcased a large ‘Abolish ICE’ banner during an MLS match as local demonstrators continue to confront riot police in response to President Donald Trump’s stringent measures against undocumented migrants.
LAFC fans revealed the banner before the game against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, and their beloved club has expressed its backing for the demonstrators.
“LAFC believes that the true strength of our community comes from the people and cultures that form the fabric of this beautiful and diverse city,” the team’s statement began. “Today, when so many in our city are experiencing fear and uncertainty, LAFC stands shoulder to shoulder with all members of our community.”
‘We are with you Los Angeles.’
Protesters in LA have seized control of the 101 Freeway and ramped up violent clashes with the National Guard, LAPD and ICE in response to Trump. Motorists stuck on the unmoving freeway were instructed to turn around in an effort to clear the traffic, as even more rioters gathered on overpasses and ramps.
Sunday was the third day of demonstrations against Trump’s immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, where 2,000 national guard members were deployed by the President. Trump also put 500 marines on standby, while the LAPD has authorized the use of ‘less lethal munitions’ in order to maintain control of the city.
Fans are seen unfurling an Abolish ICE banner prior to Sunday’s game against Kansas City
LAFC didn’t specifically endorse the message to ‘Abolish ICE’ but did support protestors
A vandalized Waymo car burns during a protest on Sunday in Los Angeles
In nearby Alameda and Temple, arrests are now underway as officers report ‘people in the crowd are throwing concrete, bottles and other objects.’
At least two officers were injured after motorcyclists ploughed through rioters and ran straight over the top of authorities. Both of the riders have been detained by police as the officers are treated by medical personnel on the scene.
Elsewhere, officers were reportedly struck by fireworks as they worked to break up a violent crowd, while protesters were filmed brandishing 3D creations of Trump’s severed head on a pole.
Extraordinary footage shows at least five Waymo self-driving cars being set alight and vandalized, prompting an indefinite shutdown of Los Angeles St north of Arcadia, and south of Alameda amid safety concerns about the lithium batteries.
‘Burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, posing risks to responders and those nearby,’ authorities said.
One protester repeatedly smashed the driver side window of a Waymo which had been surrounded by demonstrators as flames engulfed another car nearby.
‘Burn, burn, burn,’ the protesters cheered.
At the Los Angeles City Hall, authorities on horseback were locked in a tense standoff with even more demonstrators, sparking fears from local law enforcement officers that they were in for a ‘rough night.’
People stand on the streets alongside burning Waymo cars on Sunday in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Police Department officers arrest a protester in front of the LA Federal Building
Further arrests have been made throughout the Civic Center area of Downtown LA.
Protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center were warned that the LAPD incident commander had approved the use of ‘less lethal munitions’ to break up the crowd.
This came as authorities declared the area an ‘unlawful assembly’ and warned any protester who chose to stay would be subject to arrest.
The LAPD began issuing rolling dispersal orders and declaring some of the protests acts of ‘unlawful assembly’ as violence ramped up on Sunday afternoon.
Protesters within regions now under a dispersal order have been warned to evacuate now or face arrest.
Demonstrations even reached the upscale AC Hotel Pasadena by Sunday afternoon after the arrival of emergency vehicles.
