Posted For: Guiding Light

Caltrans crews have installed onramp and offramp gates on the 101 Freeway at Los Angeles Street in downtown Los Angeles ahead of this weekend’s “No Kings” protest.

Overnight video shows workers putting up the gates, which were requested by the California Highway Patrol. CHP officials say they are concerned that demonstrators might walk onto the freeway and block traffic, as has occurred during several past protests.

No Kings protest 101 Freeway gates — Gates were installed on the 101 Freeway at Los Angeles Street on March 27, 2026, in anticipation of a “No Kings” demonstration. (KTLA)

In February last year, anti-ICE protesters blocked both directions of the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles, causing severe traffic gridlock. During another protest in June, demonstrators threw rocks and other objects onto the freeway, damaging several CHP vehicles and causing one to catch fire. The freeway was closed during that incident. “That can kill you,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said at the time.

A California Highway Patrol vehical burns on the 101 Freeway near the metropolitan detention center of downtown Los Angeles, Sunday, June 8, 2025, following last night’s immigration raid protest. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

CHP officials emphasized that keeping protesters off the freeway is a safety measure for both marchers and motorists. They noted that the gates will only be used when necessary, with officers coordinating with Caltrans before any ramps are closed.

Dozens of “No Kings” rallies are planned for Saturday across Los Angeles County, including in Long Beach, Burbank, Alhambra, and downtown Los Angeles.

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