Nationwide protests erupt over immigration raids
Protests against President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies are escalating across the United States, prompting cities to enforce curfews and state governors to mobilize National Guard troops ahead of a weekend of anticipated mass demonstrations.
While many rallies have remained peaceful, several have turned violent, with clashes reported in major cities including Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Tucson. Law enforcement has used tear gas, pepper spray, and other crowd-control measures as protesters demanded an end to federal immigration raids and the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
President Trump has responded by deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, a move that has drawn legal challenges and sparked fierce debate over state and federal authority. A federal judge ruled the deployment unconstitutional, citing the 10th Amendment, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked the order, scheduling a hearing for June 17.
The White House criticized the court’s ruling as “unprecedented,” warning that it endangers federal personnel, and announced it would appeal immediately.
Protests Erupt Coast to Coast
Tensions are mounting ahead of the “No Kings” demonstrations planned for Saturday, designed to coincide with a Trump-led military parade in Washington, D.C. Organizers say the events, scheduled in nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, are intended to denounce what they describe as authoritarian immigration policies and the militarization of federal power.
While no protest is scheduled in the capital, large rallies are expected in cities like Philadelphia, Austin, and San Antonio.
In Seattle, protesters clashed with police near a federal immigration courthouse. A dumpster was set on fire, and graffiti reading “Abolish ICE Now” covered the building’s front. Police reported the use of pepper spray and the arrest of several individuals after fireworks and rocks were thrown.
In Chicago, demonstrators marched along Michigan Avenue after rallying near Lake Michigan. The event, organized by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, remained largely peaceful but was heavily monitored by police and private marshals.
In Spokane, Washington, Mayor Lisa Brown imposed an overnight curfew after a protest near an ICE office ended in over 30 arrests. “We respect their right to protest,” Brown said, “but we must maintain public safety.”
Tucson saw more aggressive scenes, with masked protesters hurling paint-filled balloons and spray-painting federal property. Flash-bang devices were deployed by security personnel in response.
Anchorage, Alaska has also been a site of ongoing protest, with demonstrators gathering daily outside the Anchorage Correctional Complex, where ICE is detaining nearly 40 individuals. State officials have locked down correctional facilities for the weekend in anticipation of more protests.
Federal and State Responses
State officials in Texas and Missouri have preemptively mobilized National Guard troops to assist with potential unrest. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has placed over 5,000 Guard troops and 2,000 state police on standby. Missouri Governor Mike Parson called his deployment a “precautionary measure.”
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody warned protesters that violence will not be tolerated, while the Justice Department issued directives to federal prosecutors to prioritize charges against those engaging in violent or destructive acts during protests.
Despite the threats and crackdowns, activists say demonstrations will continue.
“These are not isolated outbursts,” said Veronica Castro, an organizer in Chicago. “People are demanding systemic change, accountability, and humanity in immigration policy.”
