Hundreds march in DTLA, demanding justice after deaths during ICE operations

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES () — Hundreds of people marched through downtown Los Angeles on Saturday as part of a nationwide day of action calling for justice after two men were killed during separate ICE operations earlier this month.

The march ended with a vigil at Olvera Street, where volunteers carried dozens of empty, cardboard coffins through the heart of the city. Organizers said each coffin represented a life lost during ICE enforcement or while in immigration custody.

“I felt it was my duty, in some way, to carry this and mourn the people who I’ve never known, and who I never will know because of ICE,” said participant Asher Law.

The procession stretched from City Hall to Olvera Street, where hundreds gathered for the vigil despite temperatures climbing to near 90 degrees.

SEE ALSO: Activists urge LA communities to mobilize after 2 deadly ICE shootings

“It’s important for all of us as citizens to stand and speak and not allow that to be normalized,” organizer Michelle Arkin said.

The nationwide day of action on Saturday was sparked by the deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was fatally shot during an ICE operation in Houston, and Johan Sebastián Guerrero, who was killed days later during a separate operation in Maine.

“Not a lot will hold people back when it comes to advocating for justice,” protester Joseph Morales said.

Morales said the deaths have deeply affected communities.

“Our communities will never be the same. As we rebuild, and even though we’re strong and we hold each other together, our communities are not the same, and we grieve that loss,” he said.

Registered nurses in Culver City also joined protests, calling for accountability. Supporters earlier gathered outside a Pasadena Home Depot for a vigil honoring the two men.

“These killings have affected all of us, and it’s created anger and outcry in our communities,” Pasadena organizer Jose Madera said.

Organizers said they plan to continue holding events as they push for federal accountability and changes to immigration enforcement.