This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
DREAM Act Protest Shuts down Wilshire Blvd., 9 Plan to be Arrested [Updated]
Wilshire Boulevard has reportedly been shut down by a DREAM act protest led by students. In an alert by LAPD's West L.A. division, "Wilshire Blvd off the 405 Fwy at Veteran ave is severely congested. use alternate route to get into Westwood." The DREAM act is a piece of federal legislation dealing with undocumented alien students. More details coming.
Update: Nine protestors sitting in the middle of Wilshire Boulevard, surrounded by 50 or so supporters, plan on being arrested this afternoon, according to an organizer, who only identified herself as Melanie, over the phone. The street is blocked in both directions in the Westwood area, severely affecting traffic around the 405 Freeway, according to police.
Melanie said they want to bring attention to the DREAM Act, which would enable children under the age of 16 brought by their parents to the U.S. illegally to gain citizenship by completing two years of high school, college or military service.
The group is made up of students, UCLA professors and five people who protested at John McCain's Tucson office earlier this week. Today's action is part of a national campaign.
Update 2: The nine who were arrested were released and ticketed. The last photo above shows them in front of the California Highway Patrol building.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
