Protests Against ICE Spread Beyond Los Angeles: Tension Rises in Key U.S. Cities
Posted on 06/12/25 at 00:02
- Protests against ICE spread across the US
- ICE continues immigration raids
- National Guard deployed in Texas
The immigration raids launched by ICE in Los Angeles have sparked a nationwide wave of protests now extending to more than ten cities across the country.
From New York to Texas, thousands have taken to the streets to voice their rejection of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
In several cities, the National Guard has been deployed amid fears of unrest.
California: Epicenter of the Mobilization and ICE Protests
Los Angeles:
The actions began Friday with mass raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The situation led President Trump to order the deployment of the National Guard.
San Francisco – 150 People Arrested During Protests Against ICE:
On Sunday, over 150 people were arrested following clashes with police near an ICE office.
Vehicles and buildings were damaged.
Two officers were injured, according to authorities.
Protests continued Monday and Tuesday in front of the city’s Immigration Court.
Mayor Daniel Lurie stated:
“We will protect residents’ right to protest, but we will never tolerate violent and destructive behavior.”
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New York: Massive Protests against ICE in Manhattan
Hundreds gathered in Foley Square, where ICE offices and the immigration court are located.
They carried signs reading “ICE out of New York.”
Although mostly peaceful, multiple arrests were reported on Tuesday.
Mayor Eric Adams declared: “Protests like those in Los Angeles are unacceptable and will not be tolerated if attempted in our city.”
Philadelphia: Arrests and Warnings
About 150 people participated in a protest where at least 15 were arrested.
Police reported that traffic was disrupted and public safety was at risk.
“The Philadelphia Police Department supports the public’s right to lawful and peaceful protest,” the agency stated.
“We are committed to facilitating First Amendment activity while protecting public safety and maintaining order on the city’s streets.”
Chicago: Thousands Fill Downtown to Protest Against ICE
On Tuesday, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in the city center.
They held banners with slogans like “The People Say: ICE Out!” and “ICE Out of Chicago!”
Clashes and arrests were reported throughout the day.
San Antonio:
Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the National Guard to prevent unrest.
“Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal and will lead to arrest,” he posted on X.
“The Texas National Guard will use every tool and strategy to assist law enforcement.”
Austin:
On Monday, hundreds protested between the state Capitol and a federal building housing ICE offices.
Police used pepper spray and tear gas.
Protesters threw bottles and stones at officers.
Dallas:
Also on Monday, protesters gathered and at least one arrest was reported.
BBC correspondent Anthony Zurcher commented:
“Texas seems determined to present a stark contrast with the situation in Los Angeles.”
“The move is meant as a message—to California, to Abbott’s allies in the Trump administration, and to the American public—that Republicans know how to maintain law and order.”
“However, the measure is not without risks. It could provoke larger protests in other Democrat-led cities in the state. And if protests in Texas turn violent, it could undermine Republicans’ argument that they are more capable than Governor Gavin Newsom and California Democrats.”
Boston:
In Boston, protesters demanded the release of David Huerta, a union leader arrested during the Los Angeles raids while documenting ICE operations.
Union leaders denounced the use of force and criticized Trump’s narrative of “restoring order.”
Governor Maura Healey condemned the National Guard deployment without state consultation, warning it heightens public safety risks.
“President Trump deployed California’s National Guard without consulting state and local officials, including the governor.”
“This only increases the threat to public safety in our communities. The Trump administration should immediately revoke this order.”
Other Cities Mobilized Against ICE
Protests have also been reported in Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington D.C., reflecting the nationwide rejection of the raids.
The Official Message on ICE
Despite the protests, the government reaffirmed its stance.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Tuesday:
“ICE will continue to enforce the law.”
As immigration raids persist and protests intensify, the country faces growing polarization over ICE’s role and the government’s immigration policies.
While some defend strict law enforcement, others demand a more humane and fair approach for immigrant communities.
The outcome of this wave of demonstrations could mark a turning point in the national immigration debate.
Do you think the protests will succeed in changing U.S. immigration policy?
SOURCE: BBC Mundo
