AUSTIN, Texas – Protests ignited across the nation in response to federal immigration enforcement tactics and President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to deploy the National Guard and Marines in cities like Los Angeles. These demonstrations, fueled by anger over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, have escalated in intensity, leading to confrontations with law enforcement, arrests, and the use of chemical agents to disperse crowds.
In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced via social media that the National Guard would be positioned across the state to maintain peace and order amid ongoing tensions. Activists plan to amplify their efforts with larger demonstrations scheduled to take place over the weekend, particularly “No Kings” events that will coincide with a military parade Trump intends to hold in Washington, D.C.
Despite mounting public pressure, the Trump administration confirmed that it continues to pursue immigration raids and deportations as planned.
Protests have erupted in various cities, with notable events documented from coast to coast.
In Denver, a significant crowd gathered at the Colorado state capitol, brandishing cardboard signs with messages such as “Show your faces. ICE cowards.” The protest split into two groups, with marchers blocking traffic on major roads. Police responded by ordering the protesters to disperse and resorted to using smoke and pepper balls for crowd control. Reports indicate 17 arrests during the incident.
Meanwhile, in Seattle, hundreds marched through downtown toward a federal building handling immigration cases. The demonstration turned chaotic when some participants set a dumpster ablaze and vandalized the building with graffiti proclaiming “Abolish ICE Now.” Officers engaged with the crowd, employing pepper spray to manage the situation as protesters retaliated by throwing fireworks and rocks.
New York City witnessed significant unrest as well, with over 80 individuals detained during protests in lower Manhattan’s Foley Square. Demonstrators rallied near an ICE facility, with an estimated 2,500 participants expressing their discontent. There were moments of violence, including clashes between protesters and police, leading to multiple arrests. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, most participants protested peacefully, but some individuals instigated chaos, prompting police intervention. In total, 86 people were taken into custody, with charges ranging from minor offenses to assault and resisting arrest reported.
In San Antonio, a peaceful anti-ICE protest drew over 400 attendees who gathered outside city hall. With music and refreshments being shared, the atmosphere remained largely calm, though law enforcement was present to monitor the situation. Although officials confirmed the Texas National Guard’s presence, they did not provide specific details regarding troop deployment or their intended actions. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed solidarity with the protestors’ rights to express their views respectfully.
Philadelphia, too, saw demonstrations as approximately 150 protesters assembled outside the Federal Detention Center. Their march progressed to ICE headquarters, culminating back at the detention center. Police intervened as some protesters breached orders to disperse, ultimately arresting 15 individuals, with investigations launched regarding the force used during those arrests.
San Francisco experienced significant clashes as protests grew in size after the arrest of several activists at the Immigration Court. While the initial gatherings comprised around 200 protesters, subsequent events swelled to thousands, resulting in over 150 arrests due to vandalism and aggressive behavior toward police and property. Two officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries amid the protests.
In Chicago, a protest in a downtown plaza led to 17 arrests, including several for vandalism and assault on law enforcement personnel. During the chaos, a 66-year-old woman was treated for a fractured arm after being struck by a car as she participated in the protest.
In Spokane, Mayor Lisa Brown imposed a curfew after protests erupted outside an ICE office. The local police chief reported over 30 arrests as officers deployed chemical agents to manage the crowd. Mayor Brown emphasized the need for safety while respecting citizens’ right to protest against federal policies. The curfew would be effective from 9:30 PM until 5 AM, exempting law enforcement, emergency personnel, and local residents.
As protests spread across the nation, their impact on public sentiment regarding immigration policy remains significant, with many expressing their outright opposition to current federal actions. Activists and city officials continue to urge peaceful demonstrations, though tensions with law enforcement linger amid clashes and the potential for further unrest.
Overall, the wave of protests highlights a growing frustration among communities regarding immigration enforcement practices as well as calls for more humane treatment of individuals affected by federal immigration policies. The result is a nationwide conversation about the future of immigration in America, compounded by the political landscape that fuels these contentious discussions.
image source from：https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/protests-over-immigration-raids-pop-up-in-denver-across-the-us-with-more-planned/
