Protests Against ICE Raids: A Nationwide Movement Takes Shape
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids erupted in Los Angeles on June 6, 2025, triggering a wave of demonstrations across the United States. With tensions escalating just days before a military parade in Washington, DC, scheduled to mark the US Army’s 250th anniversary, activists are mobilizing to voice their discontent. Let’s explore the unfolding events, the reasons behind the protests, and where they are spreading.
Why Are There Protests in L.A.?
ICE conducted significant immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles on June 6, arresting 44 individuals in a scripted military-style raid. This show of force immediately sparked protests, as crowds gathered outside a detention facility where many of the arrested were believed to be held. The police intervened to disperse protestors who grew agitated at the situation.
In the days that followed, President Trump responded to the unrest by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles, a move met with severe backlash from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom called the deployment an "illegal takeover" and subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging it. By June 9, the number of National Guard soldiers had doubled to 4,000, accentuating the volatile atmosphere.
Adding to the tension, Trump also ordered 700 marines from a nearby base to assist in what he termed a necessary intervention in a city he described as a “trash heap.” Legal battles are still brewing over the legality of using military force in civilian policing, which has only intensified public anger.
Where Have the Protests Spread?
By June 9, protests in Los Angeles had ignited solidarity demonstrations in other cities nationwide. Attorney Robert Patillo noted the significant escalation as communities across the country resonated with the injustices they see mirrored in Los Angeles. He emphasized that the protests reflect a broader, systemic struggle against racial discrimination and police violence — problems felt beyond the borders of California.
Current forecasts suggest protests could materialize in over 30 cities. This expectation points to a nationwide resonance with the experiences being relayed from L.A., underscoring how interconnected these issues are across demographics and geographies. The military’s role in escalating tensions has amplified the reach and energy of the protests significantly.
Detailed Overview of Protests Across the U.S.
California
San Francisco
Protests in San Francisco began almost immediately after those in L.A. Demonstrators gathered outside an ICE facility, prompting police to intervene with riot gear. By June 8, around 60 arrests were made when an assembly was declared "unlawful." Mayor Daniel Lurie publicly condemned the enforcement tactics being deployed by federal authorities, reiterating his administration’s refusal to cooperate with ICE.
Santa Ana
The city of Santa Ana also saw protests, particularly as ICE was reportedly conducting raids nearby. Hundreds took to the streets, prompting local police to reaffirm their non-participation in the federal enforcement. However, clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement still occurred.
Washington State
Seattle
In Seattle, around 50 protesters gathered at an immigration court, with numbers swelling into the hundreds in the days following. Protesters faced a familiar response: police seeking to control the situation, which at times led to clashes and arrests.
Spokane
Spokane saw its share of unrest as well, with 30 arrests made during protests that escalated to confrontations with police, prompting a nighttime curfew.
Texas
Austin & San Antonio
Protests in Texas consistently drew large crowds, particularly in Austin and San Antonio. As the governor deployed National Guard units across the state, residents were divided over the necessity and legality of such actions. Arrests were made statewide as demonstrations turned occasionally violent, with police using tear gas to restore order.
Chicago and Omaha
Chicago
Chicago’s protests drew thousands near an immigration center, resulting in several arrests amidst clashes with police. The situation devolved into chaos as a vehicle drove through the crowd, injuring a protester.
Omaha
Omaha saw its own ICE raids resulting in protests from community members, animating around 400 to voice their disagreement with the federal actions.
Upcoming Plans for Protests
In light of the increasing tensions and action against ICE, large-scale demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and the military parade in Washington, DC. Organizers plan to mobilize across nearly 2,000 locations nationwide. The intention is not only to oppose the raids and military intervention but to express broader discontent with the current administration’s policies.
President Trump’s administration may view the protests as a chaotic backdrop, one they believe requires strong-man resilience. Yet for many communities, these upheavals represent a vital opportunity to demand justice and equity in an immigration system many deem broken.
The Broader Implications
The protests currently resonating in numerous major cities encapsulate a larger dissatisfaction with existing policies and systemic issues that plague immigrant communities across the nation. Each rally, march, and demonstration is a testament to the collective spirit rising against perceived injustices and federally sanctioned aggressions, signaling that the fight for civil rights and dignity is far from over. The coming days, adorned with scheduled protests and legal battles, promise to keep this conversation alive in the national discourse.
