Key Points
- Protests against immigration raids spread nationwide
- Arrests and curfews imposed in major cities
- National Guard and Marines deployed to Los Angeles
- Clashes with law enforcement reported; chemical agents used
- Hundreds arrested; curfews in Los Angeles, Spokane, others
- Activists plan larger “No Kings” events this weekend
- Federal and state officials clash over troop deployment
- Mayor Bass calls for ICE to halt raids in LA
- Protests remain mostly peaceful but with sporadic violence
- Trump administration vows to continue immigration sweeps
A wave of nationwide protests against federal immigration raids has swept across the United States, escalating tensions between demonstrators, law enforcement, and government officials. Sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and intensified by President Donald Trump’s deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles, these protests have resulted in hundreds of arrests, the imposition of curfews in multiple cities, and a national debate over the use of federal force in local jurisdictions. As activists prepare for even larger demonstrations this weekend, the country braces for continued unrest and a deepening divide over immigration policy.
The Spark: ICE Raids and Immediate Backlash
The current wave of protests began on June 6 in Los Angeles, when ICE conducted high-profile raids, arresting 44 individuals in a military-style operation. The use of unmarked vehicles and uniformed agents prompted immediate demonstrations outside detention facilities, with crowds demanding the release of detainees and an end to the raids. The protests quickly resumed after initial police dispersal, signaling the start of a sustained movement.
Expansion to Other Cities
Within days, protests spread from Los Angeles to cities including San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Ana, Seattle, Spokane, Austin, New York, San Antonio, and Washington, DC. In San Francisco, peaceful gatherings outside ICE facilities were met with police in riot gear and multiple arrests, while in Santa Ana, hundreds protested outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building. Seattle saw hundreds march to a federal building, where some set a dumpster on fire and defaced the property with anti-ICE graffiti.
Escalation: Clashes, Arrests, and Curfews
Law Enforcement Response
While many demonstrations remained peaceful, several cities reported confrontations between protesters and police. In Seattle, officers used pepper spray and other crowd-control measures after protesters threw fireworks and rocks. In Las Vegas, 94 people were arrested after clashes near the federal courthouse, with police deploying tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and rubber bullets in response to objects thrown by the crowd.
Curfews and Military Deployment
The unrest led city leaders to impose curfews in Los Angeles, Spokane, and other locations. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass enacted a curfew covering a one-square-mile area of downtown, enforced for several consecutive nights as protests continued. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott deployed over 5,000 National Guard members to support local authorities, while Missouri and other states placed military units on standby.
President Trump escalated the federal response by ordering the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, a move sharply criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who filed a lawsuit to block the deployment. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, returning command of the Guard to California, but an appeals court later allowed Trump to retain control, at least temporarily.
National Guard and Marines’ Role
Major General Scott Sherman, commander of the National Guard in Los Angeles, confirmed that troops have been trained to detain civilians if necessary, although no detentions by the Guard had occurred as of midweek. The military presence is primarily tasked with protecting federal property and supporting ICE operations, further fueling tensions between state and federal authorities.
Political and Community Reactions
Local Officials Push Back
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been vocal in her opposition to the intensified ICE raids and the federal deployment. Warning that the local economy could suffer as immigrants avoid work and school out of fear, Bass called for ICE to “stand down” and insisted that “peace starts with ICE leaving Los Angeles.” She also expressed solidarity with state officials and community leaders targeted during the protests. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie similarly emphasized that local law enforcement would not participate in federal immigration enforcement, arguing that such tactics undermine public safety.
Federal Stance
Despite mounting backlash, the Trump administration has remained steadfast, insisting that immigration sweeps and deportations will continue. An internal Justice Department memo instructed U.S. attorneys to prioritize prosecution of protesters involved in violence or property damage, signaling a tough stance against civil unrest. President Trump has repeatedly characterized the influx of migrants as an “invasion” requiring emergency measures, framing the protests as a threat to public order.
The Human Toll: Arrests, Injuries, and Fear
Hundreds of protesters have been arrested nationwide, with the largest numbers reported in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas. In Los Angeles, the LAPD detained multiple individuals for violating curfew and reported towing vehicles associated with the protests. The use of chemical agents, rubber bullets, and other crowd-control measures has resulted in injuries to both protesters and police officers.
The raids themselves have led to the apprehension of at least 61 Mexican nationals in Los Angeles, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Community advocates report widespread fear among immigrant families, with many avoiding public spaces and essential services out of concern for their safety.
Activist Response and Upcoming Demonstrations
“No Kings” Movement
Activists are organizing a series of “No Kings” events nationwide, set to coincide with President Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, DC, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. These events, originally planned as a critique of authoritarianism, have taken on new urgency amid the immigration raids and military deployments. Organizers promise an even larger show of force this weekend, with over 1,900 demonstrations planned across the country.
Calls for Solidarity
Protest leaders and immigrant rights groups have called for solidarity and nonviolent resistance, urging participants to remain peaceful despite provocations. Many local officials and community organizations have echoed these calls, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations and upholding constitutional rights.
Legal and Constitutional Battles
The deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles without state consent has sparked a legal showdown between the Trump administration and California officials. Governor Newsom’s lawsuit argues that the move violates the Tenth Amendment and exceeds presidential authority, a position temporarily upheld by a federal judge before being paused by an appeals court. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the balance of power between state and federal governments in matters of civil unrest and immigration enforcement.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and Escalation
As the nation heads into the weekend, the situation remains volatile. Authorities anticipate an increase in protests, with law enforcement and military personnel on high alert in major cities57. Mayor Bass has indicated that curfews in Los Angeles will remain in effect for several more days, while activists vow to continue their demonstrations until the raids cease and immigrant communities are protected.
The Trump administration’s insistence on continuing immigration sweeps, coupled with the widespread mobilization of protesters and the involvement of military forces, sets the stage for further confrontation. The coming days will test the resilience of communities, the resolve of activists, and the capacity of local and federal governments to manage a crisis that has quickly become a defining moment in the ongoing debate over immigration and civil liberties in America.
The nationwide protests against immigration raids mark a pivotal chapter in the U.S. immigration debate, highlighting deep divisions over policy, law enforcement, and the use of federal power. With curfews, arrests, and military deployments now part of the landscape, both sides are preparing for a prolonged struggle. As activists and officials alike look to the weekend’s “No Kings” events, the nation awaits the next developments in a conflict that shows no signs of abating