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LA Installs Freeway Gates to Protect Against 'No Kings' Protests
Authorities take proactive measures to prevent demonstrators from accessing busy highways during weekend rallies
Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:29pm
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Los Angeles transit workers have installed large metal gates on freeway ramps across the city as a safety precaution ahead of this weekend's planned 'No Kings' protests. Officials are concerned that demonstrators could attempt to march onto the highways, creating unsafe conditions for both protesters and motorists. This follows chaotic scenes during similar protests in June, when agitators clashed with police and blocked traffic on the 101 Freeway.
Why it matters
The decision to erect the freeway gates highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protest organizers in Los Angeles, as the city seeks to balance the right to peaceful assembly with public safety concerns. Previous 'No Kings' rallies have turned violent, leading to property damage and injuries, and authorities are taking proactive steps to prevent a repeat of those incidents.
The details
Transit workers were spotted installing the large metal gates at several on- and off-ramps along the 101 Freeway in downtown LA, where protests have occurred in the past. Officials say the gates will only be used as needed to keep pedestrians off the highways and allow traffic to flow safely. It's unclear exactly how many gates have been or will be installed across the city.
- The gates were put up overnight on Friday, March 26, 2026.
- Another round of 'No Kings' protests are scheduled for Saturday, March 27, 2026 across Southern California, including in LA, Burbank, and Long Beach.
The players
California Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for installing the freeway gates as a 'proactive safety measure' to prevent protesters from accessing the highways.
What’s next
It remains to be seen how effective the freeway gates will be in deterring protesters from attempting to access the highways during this weekend's demonstrations. Authorities will be closely monitoring the situation and prepared to take further action if needed to maintain public safety.
The takeaway
The installation of freeway gates in Los Angeles underscores the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing the right to protest with the need to protect public safety. As tensions between law enforcement and activist groups continue, local governments may be forced to take increasingly extreme measures to prevent disruptive and potentially dangerous demonstrations.
