If you're trying to get across town this weekend, you've probably already realized that "normal" traffic isn't really a thing in LA right now. It's messy. Between the massive anti-ICE demonstrations, the sudden flare-up of Iran solidarity rallies in Westwood, and the looming road closures for the MLK Day weekend, the city feels like it’s vibrating. Honestly, if you just looked at a Google Map and saw all those dark red lines, you’d think the 101 was just being its usual self, but there’s a lot more going on under the surface.
There's a specific kind of tension in the air today, January 17, 2026. It’s not just one group with one sign. It's a collision of different movements that have all decided this particular Saturday is the day to make some noise.
Why Protests Los Angeles Today are Catching Everyone Off Guard
Most people think protests in LA are just a few folks with placards on a sidewalk in front of City Hall. That’s not what’s happening today. We are seeing a massive "ICE Out For Good" weekend of action that has effectively paralyzed sections of the 101 Freeway. It’s a direct response to the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, which has turned into a national flashpoint.
But wait, it gets weirder.
While the anti-deportation groups are holding the freeways, there’s a secondary, completely different movement happening over in Westwood. Hundreds of people from the Iranian diaspora have gathered near the federal building. It’s intense. Last week, a U-Haul truck actually drove through a similar crowd in that same spot. People are on edge, and the police presence is, frankly, massive.
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The Freeway Standoff: 101 and 110 Impacts
If you are planning to hit the 101 Freeway in DTLA between the 110 interchange and Mission Road, just don't. Seriously. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is currently in a standoff with protesters who have occupied the lanes.
- The 101 Freeway: Blocked in both directions near Union Station.
- The 110 Freeway: Seeing "spillover" congestion as people try to bail out of the downtown loop.
- Ramp Closures: Broadway, Los Angeles Street, and 1st Street ramps are mostly shuttered by the Sheriff's department to prevent more people from joining the freeway occupation.
The "Free America Walkout" and the January 20th Shadow
You’ve probably heard the buzz about the "Free America Walkout" planned by the Women’s March organizers. While the big national walkout is technically set for Tuesday, January 20th—the anniversary of the inauguration—local groups in LA started their "pre-game" events today.
Basically, they are testing the waters. Organizers like Rain Skau from the DSA-LA have been handing out whistles in Downtown LA. Why whistles? It’s a tactic borrowed from Chicago to alert neighborhoods when ICE is spotted. It sounds small, but when you have 300 people in a 5-block radius all blowing whistles, it creates a psychological environment that is hard to ignore.
What's Actually Happening in Westwood
Westwood is a different vibe. It’s deeply personal for the community there. Because LA has the largest Iranian population outside of Iran, what happens in Tehran hits hard in the 310. The protests today are focusing on the sharp devaluation of the Rial and the violent crackdown back home.
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But there’s a local safety concern. After that U-Haul incident on January 11th, the LAPD has set up concrete K-rails around the demonstration area. It looks like a fortress. If you’re trying to grab dinner in Westwood tonight, expect to walk a few blocks; parking is non-existent and many side streets are restricted to residents only.
The MLK Weekend Overlay
To make things even more complicated, we are in the middle of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. This year, the parade is a bit different. It’s now the "Los Angeles Official Martin Luther King Day Parade," and Bakewell Media has taken over the reins.
While the parade isn't until Monday, the "Freedom Festival" prep is already causing road closures in South LA.
- King Boulevard is closed from Vermont to Crenshaw.
- Crenshaw Boulevard is blocked off towards Leimert Park.
- Degnan Avenue is essentially a pedestrian zone right now.
The intersection of Crenshaw and MLK—what locals call "Camera Corner"—is already being rigged with bleachers and broadcast gear for ABC7. This adds a layer of "planned" disruption on top of the "unplanned" protest traffic.
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The Human Cost: Santa Ana and the Aftermath
We can't talk about protests Los Angeles today without mentioning the incident in Santa Ana that has everyone's blood boiling. Reports just surfaced this morning from The Guardian and the LA Times about two protesters, Kaden Rummler and Britain Rodriguez, who were blinded by "less-lethal" munitions during a vigil last week.
That news is fueling the fire for today’s crowds. It changed the tone from "we are here to be heard" to "we are here because we are angry." You’ll see more riot gear on the streets today than you did a month ago. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is defending their tactics, calling the crowds a "mob," but the video evidence being circulated on X (formerly Twitter) shows a very different, much more peaceful scene before the rounds were fired.
What You Need to Do Right Now
Look, navigating LA during a multi-protest day is an art form. Here is how you stay sane and safe:
- Avoid the "Downtown Loop": If you don't need to be in DTLA, stay west of the 110 or east of the 5. The 101 is a parking lot and likely will be until well after sundown.
- Check the "Citizen" App, but verify: In 2026, the Citizen app is great for real-time video, but it can be sensational. Cross-reference with the LAPD's official X account for actual street opening times.
- Metro is your best bet: The K Line is running smoothly into Leimert Park, and the D Line (Purple) will get you to Westwood without having to deal with the K-rails and U-Haul-induced roadblocks.
- Watch out for the "Whistle Blasts": If you’re in Boyle Heights or DTLA and hear a sudden chorus of whistles, don't panic. It’s likely a "Know Your Rights" training or an ICE alert, not an emergency.
The reality of protests Los Angeles today is that they aren't going away by tonight. With the national walkout scheduled for Tuesday, today is just the crescendo of a very long, very loud week.
If you're headed out, give yourself an extra hour. Use Waze, but keep your eyes on the road—the situation on the 101 can change in minutes if the CHP decides to start clearing the lanes. Stay safe, stay informed, and maybe just take the train.
Check the latest Metro alerts before you leave the house to see if any bus lines have been rerouted due to the Santa Ana spillover protests near federal buildings. Reach out to local community boards if you are in the South LA area to see which specific residential streets are currently restricted to permit-holders only during the festival setup.