Protests over immigration raids are popping up across the US with more planned
Share this @internewscast.com

Protests ignited in Los Angeles due to immigration enforcement raids have driven President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. These demonstrations have begun to expand nationwide, with additional protests scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

People have taken to the streets from Seattle to Austin and Washington, D.C., expressing opposition to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Protesters have chanted slogans and brandished signs, causing traffic disruptions in city centers and near federal buildings. While most protests have remained peaceful, some have escalated, leading to confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in arrests and the use of chemical agents to disperse demonstrators.

In the days ahead, activists are organizing even larger rallies. “No Kings” events are set to occur across the country on Saturday, coinciding with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington.

The Trump administration said it would continue its program of raids and deportations despite the protests. “ICE will continue to enforce the law,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted Tuesday on social media.

A look at some protests across the country:

Austin

Four Austin police officers were injured and authorities used chemical irritants to disperse a crowd of several hundred demonstrators Monday night that moved between the state Capitol and a federal building that houses an ICE office. State officials had closed the Capitol to the public an hour early in anticipation of the protest.

Austin police used pepper spray balls and state police used tear gas when demonstrators began trying to deface the federal building with spray paint. The demonstrators then started throwing rocks, bottles and other objects at a police barricade, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said. Three officers were injured by “very large” rocks and another was injured while making an arrest, she said.

Austin police arrested eight people, and state police arrested five more. Davis said her department is prepared for Saturday’s planned protest downtown.

“We support peaceful protest,” Davis said. “When that protest turns violent, when it turns to throwing rocks and bottles … that will not be tolerated. Arrests will be made.”

Dallas

A protest that drew hundreds to a rally on a city bridge lasted for several hours Monday night before Dallas police declared it an “unlawful assembly” and warned people to leave or face possible arrest.

Dallas police initially posted on social media that officers would not interfere with a “lawful and peaceful assembly of individuals or groups expressing their First Amendment rights.” But officers later moved in and media reported seeing some in the crowd throw objects as officers used pepper spray and smoke to clear the area. At least one person was arrested.

“Peaceful protesting is legal,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, posted on X. “But once you cross the line, you will be arrested.”

San Francisco

About 200 protesters gathered outside the San Francisco Immigration Court on Tuesday after activists said several arrests were made there.

That gathering came after protests on Sunday and Monday swelled to several thousand demonstrators and saw more than 150 arrests with outbreaks of violence that included vandalized buildings, and damaged cars, police vehicles and buses. Police said two officers suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Most of the arrests were Sunday night.

“Individuals are always free to exercise their First Amendment rights in San Francisco, but violence, especially against SFPD officers, will never be tolerated,” San Francisco police posted on social media.

Police described Monday’s march as “overwhelmingly peaceful,” but said “two small groups broke off and committed vandalism and other criminal acts.” Several people were detained or arrested, police said.

Seattle

About 50 people gathered outside the immigration court in downtown Seattle on Tuesday, chanting with drums and holding up signs that said, “Free Them All; Abolish ICE” and “No to Deportations.” The protest was initially peaceful but protesters began putting scooters in front of building entryways before police arrived.

Mathieu Chabaud, with Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Washington, said they were there in solidarity with the Los Angeles protesters, “and to show that we’re opposed to ICE in our community.”

Legal advocates who normally attend the immigration court hearings as observers and to provide support to immigrants were not allowed inside the building. Security guards also turned away the media. The hearings are normally open to the public.

Chicago

In Chicago, a small crowd gathered Tuesday outside immigration court in downtown and called for an end to Trump administration immigration sweeps and military presence in California.

“With the militarization of Los Angeles it’s time to get out and let Trump know this is unacceptable,” said retiree Gary Snyderman. “All of this is so unconstitutional.”

The group then marched through downtown streets drumming and chanting, “No more deportations!”

Santa Ana

In Santa Ana near Los Angeles, armored vehicles blocked the road Tuesday morning leading into the Civic Center, where federal immigration officers and numerous city and county agencies have their offices.

Workers swept up plastic bottles and broken glass from Monday’s protests. Tiny shards of red, black and purple glass littered the pavement. Nearby buildings and the sidewalk were tagged with profane graffiti slogans against ICE and had Trump’s name crossed out. A worker rolled paint over graffiti on a wall to block it out.

National Guard officers wearing fatigues and carrying rifles prevented people from entering the area unless they worked there.

While a small group kept up their demonstration Tuesday, several counterprotesters showed up. One man wore a red T-shirt and Make America Great Again cap as he exchanged words with the crowd opposing the raids.

Boston

Hundreds of people gathered in Boston’s City Hall Plaza on Monday to protest the detainment of union leader David Huerta Friday during immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Protesters held signs reading “Massachusetts stands with our neighbors in Los Angeles” and “Protect our immigrant neighbors,” and shouted, “Come for one, come for all” and “Free David, free them all.”

Huerta, president of Service Employees International Union California, was released from federal custody later Monday on $50,000 bond.

“An immigrant doesn’t stand between an American worker and a good job, a billionaire does,” said Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

Washington, D.C.

Several unions gathered Monday in Washington to protest the raids and rally for Huerta’s release, and marched past the Department of Justice building.

Among the demonstrators was U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington state.

“Enough of these mass ICE raids that are sweeping up innocent people,” Jayapal said. “As we see people exercising the constitutional rights to peacefully use their voices to speak out against this injustice, they are being met with tear gas and rubber bullets.” ___

Associated Press writers Martha Bellisle in Seattle, Sophia Tareen in Chicago, Leah Willingham in Boston and Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, California contributed.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect who placed pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC

FBI Unveils New Footage of Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Offices

In a renewed effort to solve one of the lingering mysteries from…
Charlotte man charged with Iryna Zarutska’s killing could face death penalty

Charlotte Resident Faces Potential Death Penalty in Connection with Iryna Zarutska’s Murder

The heart-wrenching case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder has taken a significant legal…
Riverside Church responds to Pride flag vandalism with even more flags

Riverside Church Amplifies Support with Increased Pride Flags Following Vandalism Incident

On October 20, a distressing incident occurred at Riverside Church located at…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
A timeline of US attacks off South America and what Congress has had to say

Exploring the Chronology of U.S. Military Actions off South America: Congressional Insights and Reactions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Over the past two months, President Donald Trump and…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
Florida Uber Eats driver noticed autistic son missing from car, continues delivery: police

Florida Uber Eats Driver Reports Autistic Son Missing During Delivery, Police Investigate

A Florida Uber Eats driver has been charged with child neglect after…
Former New York state trooper sentenced to 6 months in prison after faking his own shooting: 'disgraceful'

Ex-New York Trooper Jailed for Six Months Over Fake Shooting Incident: Described as ‘Disgraceful

A former New York state trooper received a six-month jail sentence on…
A Trump supporter wearing an inflatable costume is attacked in moving gif

Shocking Video: Man in Inflatable Trump Costume Assaulted at ‘No Kings’ Protest in Blue State

A man from Massachusetts has been officially charged after reportedly attacking a…
Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike

Tragic Loss: Young Humpback Whale Falls Victim to Suspected Propeller Accident off New Jersey Coast

A young humpback whale, found stranded near Long Beach Island, New Jersey,…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…