Discord erupts in multiple American urban centers over sudden enforcement actions targeting immigrants.
Heated Demonstrations Across Nation Over Immigration Raids
Protests inspired by immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles and prompting President Trump to mobilize National Guard troops and Marines are sparking cities nationwide. These angry protests are continuing into the weekend, with even larger demonstrations to come, some planned for Saturday during Mr. Trump's proposed military parade in Washington, D.C.
The LA protests erupted last Friday as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed raids in and around the city. The subsequent demonstrations sometimes turned violent, resulting in skirmishes between protesters and law enforcement. Despite objections from California governor Gavin Newsom and a request to pull back the orders, the Trump administration has continued to mobilize National Guard troops.
Additional protests against the LA immigration raids have cropped up in other cities, including Austin, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and others this week. Activists are planning more demonstrations in the coming days.
Cities seeing unrest include:
Austin
A protest ignited on Monday at the Texas State Capitol and then moved through downtown Austin, resulting in injuries to four Austin police officers. A crowd of several hundred demonstrators targeted the J.J. Pickle Federal Building, which houses an ICE office. State officials closed the Capitol to the public an hour early due to the anticipated protest.
Austin police used pepper spray balls, while state police employed tear gas to disperse the crowd as they attempted to deface the federal building with graffiti. Demonstrators responded by throwing rocks, bottles, and other objects at a police barricade, leading to injuries among the officers. Eight people were arrested. Austin police are prepared for this weekend's planned downtown protest and say they support peaceful protesting, but will not tolerate violence.
A protester commented, "Change will only transpire when we keep pressuring those in power—the police, ICE, politicians, everyone. We must actually stand our ground and move beyond just words."
Dallas
A hundred-strong rally on a city bridge lasted for several hours on Monday before police declared it an "unlawful assembly" and warned people to leave or risk arrest. Police had initially pledged not to interfere with peaceful demonstrations, but eventually moved in to clear the area, resulting in arrests.
The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, posted that "peaceful protesting is legal," but crossing the line will result in arrests.
Denver
Denver police were heavily present on Tuesday night after an evening protest at the Colorado State Capitol and marches downtown. One breakaway group from a peaceful protest against ICE escalated as the night went on, leading to instances of rock and bottle-throwing at officers and one detainment.
Philadelphia
Fifteen people were arrested Tuesday after 150 protesters gathered in Center City to rally against the Trump administration's ICE operations. The demonstrators marched to ICE headquarters in Philly, disrupting traffic and causing public safety concerns. The arrests occurred as demonstrators ignored commands to disperse and escalated, causing violent and disorderly behavior.
Seattle
Fifty people gathered outside the immigration court in downtown Seattle on Tuesday, chanting and holding signs in solidarity with LA demonstrators. The initial protest was peaceful, but the crowd began placing scooters in front of the building's entryways before security arrived.
Santa Ana, California
Armed vehicles blocked the road leading to Santa Ana's Civic Center on Tuesday, where federal immigration officers and multiple city and county agencies have offices. Workers were sweeping up debris from Monday's protests, and graffiti slogans against ICE and Trump's name could be found nearby.
Boston
Hundreds gathered on Monday in Boston's City Hall Plaza to protest the arrest of union leader David Huerta during immigration raids in LA. Huerta, who is president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was later released on $50,000 bond.
Washington, D.C.
Several unions gathered in Washington on Monday to protest the raids and rally for Huerta's release, marching past the Department of Justice building. U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington, attended the demonstrations, criticizing ICE's tactics and the use of the National Guard in Los Angeles.
San Francisco
A peaceful march through San Francisco's Mission District on Monday marked the second straight day of protests, resulting in multiple arrests for vandalism and other criminal acts. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has vowed to protect the right to protest while not tolerating violent and destructive behavior.
New York City
Thousands of protesters clashed with police on Tuesday in New York City, rallying against immigration raids and supporting demonstrations in LA. Dozens were taken into custody, and protesters continued blocking city streets into the night.
Chicago
Thousands gathered in Chicago's Loop on Tuesday, beginning with a rally in Federal Plaza before marching through the streets of downtown. One car sped through the crowd, but no injuries were reported amid heavy police presence. Arrests were made throughout the day, and bus service suspensions affected the Loop area.
- General news outlets are reporting increases in law-related incidents associated with ongoing city-wide protests against immigration raids, as demonstrations continue to gather momentum across several major cities.
- Austin has been a hotspot for intense political protests, with some turning violent, resulting in arrests and injuries to law enforcement officials. The LA immigration raids have served as a catalyst for these demonstrations, fueled by activists seeking change and pressuring those in power.
