- greensea
- 09 Feb 2025 11:13 PM
- #Visa & Immigration
Teen in Critical Condition After Stabbing at L.A. Protest Against Trump’s Immigration Policies
What began as a peaceful demonstration turned violent on Friday when a 17-year-old male was stabbed during an immigration protest in downtown Los Angeles. The protest, sparked by recent immigration policies introduced by President Donald Trump, saw hundreds of students walk out of school for the fourth consecutive day before the tragic incident unfolded outside City Hall.
Violence Erupts at Protest Site
Aerial footage from Sky5 captured chaotic scenes as brawls broke out, culminating in the stabbing. According to eyewitnesses, the attacker was not part of the protest but suddenly approached and stabbed the teen.
"I came to the protest, and there was a guy that came up who wasn’t even a part of the protest, and just shanked a dude," a witness named Will told KTLA. "I got it all on my camera… I told them to apply pressure, cut up some shirts, wrap them around him so it would stop the bleeding."
Police and Emergency Response
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed the stabbing occurred at Grand Park, outside City Hall, at 1:49 p.m. The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
By 5:20 p.m., LAPD revealed the victim was 17 years old, though it was unclear if he was a student. Authorities did not confirm whether other individuals involved in the fight were students or legal adults.
By 4 p.m., Spring Street remained blocked off as police collected evidence and searched for witnesses. LAPD advised the public to avoid the area, stating, “Spring Street will be closed from Temple Street to 1st Street while investigators gather evidence.”
Protest Organizers Vow to Continue Fighting for Immigrants’ Rights
Despite the violence, protest organizers urged participants to remain committed to their cause.
"The organizers were telling people over the microphone, ‘Everyone go home, come back another day, we’re gonna regroup and come back and still fight for immigrants’ rights,'" said protester Maria Rivera Cummins.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Sparks Nationwide Protests
The protest was one of many sparked by Trump’s latest executive orders, which include:
Increased military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Stronger ICE enforcement, now allowing agents to arrest migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches.
Elimination of prior restrictions on immigration enforcement actions.
These policies have fueled widespread student-led protests, with thousands across Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities demanding protections for immigrants.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively searching for the suspect and urge anyone with information to contact the LAPD. As the investigation continues, community leaders and activists emphasize the importance of peaceful demonstrations while vowing to continue fighting for immigrant rights.
