Following a wave of protests and traffic blockades across major U.S. cities, Republican lawmakers are proposing new legislation to make it a federal crime to intentionally block streets. The move comes in response to recent anti-ICE demonstrations, including protests in Los Angeles that disrupted traffic and led to over 80 arrests.
“Safe and Open Streets Act” Introduced
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) plans to introduce the “Safe and Open Streets Act” this week. The bill would impose penalties—including fines and up to five years in prison—for those who deliberately obstruct roadways.
“This is a direct response to radical protesters who are using dangerous tactics to shut down roads,” Tillis said, referring to demonstrators who blocked expressways and city streets during recent anti-immigration enforcement protests.
Under current California law, obstructing movement in public areas is a misdemeanor, but that statute has been rarely enforced during recent protests.
Support from GOP Lawmakers
Tillis’ initiative is gaining support from fellow Republicans. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) emphasized the risk to emergency services when roads are blocked, saying such actions can endanger lives.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) added: “Blocking major roads is lawlessness. It puts lives at risk—from people awaiting ambulances to workers who could lose jobs for being late. Peaceful protest is protected by the First Amendment. This is not.”
Protests Nationwide Spark Concern
The legislation follows incidents across the country. In Los Angeles, demonstrators protesting ICE operations clashed with officers and halted traffic. A similar protest in Durham, North Carolina, last November blocked a busy freeway during rush hour. In Virginia, pro-Palestinian activists brought the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike to a standstill using ladders and chicken wire.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) called out California leaders, claiming they failed to act during days of unrest in Los Angeles. “This is what happens when lawlessness goes unpunished,” Tuberville said, blaming state officials for inaction until President Trump intervened.
Balancing Protest Rights and Public Safety
While GOP senators say they support the right to peaceful protest, they argue that deliberate road blockades go too far. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) noted that while demonstrations like the recent “No Kings Day” in New Orleans remained peaceful, obstructing roads crosses a line. “You can’t express your views by undermining people’s safety and livelihoods,” he said.
The proposed federal legislation would apply across all states and aims to deter disruptive tactics that have, in the view of supporters, endangered both public safety and economic activity.
If passed, the Safe and Open Streets Act could mark a significant escalation in how protest-related offenses are prosecuted nationwide.
