In a bold display of defiance, anti-ICE protesters brought traffic to a standstill on the iconic 6th Street Bridge in Downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, as they voiced opposition to intensified deportation efforts.
According to Breitbart, on July 1, 2025, between 150 and 200 demonstrators associated with the Los Angeles Tenants Union blocked the historic bridge around noon, protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations while advocating for tenants’ rights.
The protest began at midday, with participants gathering on the well-known structure that spans the Los Angeles River. Video footage captured a significant crowd, estimated at 150 to 200 individuals, effectively halting vehicular movement across the bridge. Many of those present held signs denouncing the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE, in the city.
Flags bearing the logo of the Los Angeles Tenants Union, often abbreviated as LATU, were prominently displayed during the event. This organization has been a vocal advocate for tenants’ rights, pushing for protections amid economic and social challenges faced by many residents. The LATU has linked its mission to broader concerns about ICE operations, arguing that these actions disrupt community stability.
Before the July 1 demonstration, the LATU had urged city leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass, to implement a moratorium on evictions. The group highlighted the struggles of unauthorized immigrants who, they claim, are too afraid to attend work due to ongoing ICE activities. This fear, according to the organization, has led to severe financial strain for many families in Los Angeles.
A representative from the LATU, who identified as being in the U.S. illegally, spoke out about the dire circumstances faced by tenants. “We know that many tenants will not be able to pay their rent come July 1,” the representative stated during the protest. The same spokesperson continued, explaining the broader impact of ICE’s presence in the area.
“Why? Because this militarization of our community … has closed down businesses, taken away street vendors, separated families and then people cannot pay their rent,” the LATU representative added. This statement reflects a deep concern over the ripple effects of deportation efforts on local economies and family structures. The representative emphasized that basic survival has become a challenge for many affected by these policies.
The LATU also issued a powerful plea for unity and resistance during the bridge protest on July 1. “For the kidnapped, for the detained, for the children whose parents are missing, for those who cannot work and for those who cannot pay rent, the city must come to a stop!” the organization declared. This rallying cry underscored the urgency and emotional weight of their cause as they sought to draw attention to widespread suffering.
Further amplifying their message, the LATU encouraged a broader form of protest beyond the bridge blockade. “We call on our members and supporters: don’t go to work, don’t take public transportation, and do not do business,” the group urged. They also invited individuals to join local efforts in their neighborhoods as part of a larger “community strike” against ICE.
The demonstration on the 6th Street Bridge appears to be a direct response to the LATU’s earlier calls for such a community-wide action. Last week, before the July 1 event, the organization had already begun mobilizing supporters to stand against deportation practices. Their focus has consistently been on protecting vulnerable populations from both housing insecurity and immigration enforcement.
Despite the scale of the protest and the issues raised, no official statement has been released by the office of Mayor Karen Bass. The lack of comment from city leadership leaves questions about potential policy responses to the LATU’s demands. This silence adds another layer of uncertainty to an already tense situation in Downtown Los Angeles.
The blockade of the 6th Street Bridge, a key route in the city, caused significant disruptions for commuters on Tuesday. With traffic halted by the large group of demonstrators, many drivers were forced to seek alternative paths during the midday event. The historic bridge, often a symbol of connection, became a focal point of division over immigration policy debates.
The protest highlights a growing tension in Los Angeles over the role of ICE and its impact on local communities. Advocates like the LATU argue that deportation efforts create fear and economic hardship, particularly for immigrant families. As such actions continue, the divide between community activists and federal policies remains starkly evident.
The events of July 1, 2025, may signal more demonstrations or strikes as the LATU and its supporters press for change. With no immediate response from city officials, the path forward for tenants’ rights and immigration concerns is unclear. For now, the 6th Street Bridge protest stands as a vivid reminder of the challenges facing many in Los Angeles.