Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that originated in Los Angeles on June 6 have rapidly expanded across the United States. Demonstrators are rallying in response to a series of immigration enforcement actions, coinciding with a planned military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the US Army’s 250th anniversary this Saturday.
On June 6, ICE conducted immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles, leading to the apprehension of 44 individuals in what appeared to be a military-style operation. The sudden enforcement action prompted immediate protests in LA, where crowds gathered outside facilities believed to be holding some of the detainees. Although police attempted to disperse these gatherings, demonstrations erupted once again shortly thereafter.
In response to the escalating situation, President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles on June 8, a move criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom as an illegal takeover. To reinforce his directive, Trump later increased the number of active troops to 4,000.
Additionally, President Trump ordered the deployment of 700 Marines from the Twentynine Palms base east of Los Angeles, characterizing the city in dire terms as a “trash heap” at risk of burning to the ground. A federal court hearing related to the legality of deploying military forces for immigration enforcement in Los Angeles is scheduled for Thursday.
As of Wednesday, Marines had arrived in Los Angeles; however, reports indicated that they had not yet completed their training. They are anticipated to join National Guard troops on the streets of LA by Friday. In light of potential violence during protests, LA Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew for downtown LA, leading to several arrests by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Protests in LA have continued for six days, with a notable majority remaining peaceful, though instances of violence have occasionally surfaced. Following the initial protests in Los Angeles, demonstrations expanded to numerous cities across the nation by June 9, with solidarity rallies taking place in 12 additional locations across several states.
In California, cities other than LA are also witnessing protests. San Francisco quickly joined the fray with a peaceful demonstration outside an ICE building on Sansome Street shortly after the events in LA began. Reports surfaced of police arriving in riot gear and making numerous arrests.
By June 8, around 60 individuals were arrested in San Francisco, which the police designated as an unlawful assembly. Despite these actions, police acknowledged that the vast majority of the protests had been peaceful, allowing the possibility for a few small groups to engage in vandalism.
In Monday’s statement on social media, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie condemned the ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions, asserting that they were intended to instill fear among the populace, consequently decreasing public safety. He affirmed that under the city’s policies, local law enforcement would not participate in federal immigration enforcement.
The protests further escalated with a rally of 200 demonstrators outside the San Francisco Immigration Court on Tuesday, with similar protests noted in Oakland.
Santa Ana, another city in California, saw protests erupt on Monday following reports of ICE raids. Protesters gathered outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building, and the Santa Ana Police Department stated their intention not to partake in such federal actions. Nevertheless, later statements from the department indicated that confrontations had occurred, leading to arrests due to escalating violence.
National Guard troops were deployed in Santa Ana on Tuesday amid clashes with protesters, as local law enforcement sought to maintain peace while expressing commitments to uphold lawful assembly.
In Washington State, protests materialized in Seattle, gathering a crowd of 50 outside the immigration court downtown. By Wednesday, hundreds had mobilized, prompting police involvement due to demonstrators setting a dumpster on fire. Tensions escalated, leading to the arrest of several individuals for various offenses.
Spokane, another city in Washington State, reported protests that resulted in over 30 arrests. The police used pepper balls to disperse crowds, and Mayor Lisa Brown imposed a curfew to ensure public safety.
Texas has also seen a rise in demonstrations, with Governor Greg Abbott announcing the deployment of National Guard forces across the state to manage the situation. In San Antonio, the deployment occurred ahead of protests, drawing criticism from the city’s mayor, who stated he was unaware of the plans.
More than 400 individuals gathered peacefully outside city hall on Wednesday, although tensions remain high. In Austin, protests unfolded near both the State Capitol and a federal ICE building, resulting in multiple arrests due to confrontations between police and demonstrators.
Smaller protests persisted in Texas cities including Dallas and Houston, demonstrating a unified front against the ongoing ICE raids.
In Denver, Colorado, demonstrators assembled outside the State Capitol, with police apprehending 18 individuals when protestors attempted to cross Interstate 25. Meanwhile, a significant protest in Chicago attracted thousands who marched from near an immigration center to downtown, blocking major thoroughfares. Reports indicated about 17 arrests, with some confrontations reported.
Omaha, Nebraska experienced ICE raids at a local meat production plant leading to significant public backlash, as approximately 400 protests took place on June 6 nearby. In Boston, hundreds flocked to City Hall, voicing concerns for union leader David Huerta’s detention during earlier protests.
New York City saw significant turnout with thousands demonstrating in Lower Manhattan near ICE facilities and federal courts. Police made numerous arrests, charging individuals with various offenses including unlawful assembly.
In Philadelphia, protests gathered approximately 150 people marching outside the Federal Detention Center while clashes with law enforcement resulted in 15 arrests after demonstrators defied orders to disperse.
In Washington, D.C., demonstrators conducted marches past the Justice Department in expressions of solidarity for union leader Huerta, maintaining a peaceful presence with no reports of violence or arrests.
As the situation continues to evolve, further protests have been organized to coincide with scheduled nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, aimed at opposing President Trump’s policies. These gatherings are expected to occur in nearly 2,000 locations across various settings, from large cities to small towns.
This escalation in protests leading up to the military parade in Washington, D.C. showcases the heightened tension surrounding immigration policies and federal enforcement actions. With diverse cities across the nation taking part in demonstrations, the coming days may reveal even more significant mobilizations urging for change.
image source from：https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/12/which-us-cities-have-the-la-immigration-protests-spread-to
