Protests against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) erupted in several major cities this week.
The demonstrations kicked off on June 6 in Los Angeles, following immigration raids at various businesses. Tensions escalated as city officials criticized President Trump for escalating the situation by deploying the California State Guard and Marines to assist local law enforcement.
A federal judge ruled on Thursday that sending Trump’s troops was unlawful, returning their command to Governor Gavin Newsom. But, just hours later, an appeals court suspended the ruling, deciding to review the issue on Tuesday.
The demonstrations in Los Angeles sparked similar protests nationwide. Most of these rallies were peaceful, but incidents between protesters and police turned violent at times. Across the U.S., hundreds were arrested.
These protests coincide with the “No Kings” demonstrations planned for over 1,500 locations on Saturday, mirroring the Army’s 250th birthday, which also falls on Trump’s 79th birthday.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues its efforts to target immigrants, ramping up deportations—particularly affecting agriculture and food processing sites in California, New Mexico, and Nebraska.
Now, let’s look at some of the protests that have unfolded outside Los Angeles.
New York City
Thousands gathered this week near a federal building in Lower Manhattan. The peaceful rally on Tuesday turned chaotic when police clashed with some demonstrators, resulting in 86 arrests.
Philadelphia
Approximately 200 people gathered near the Federal Corrections Department during rush hour on Tuesday, blocking off the area. Tensions rose when police attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to 15 arrests and some minor injuries among both protesters and officers.
Washington DC
The response in the capital was relatively small, with just dozens protesting in Columbia Heights.
Boston
In Boston, over 200 people rallied outside City Hall on Monday, responding to the uproar from Los Angeles. They also spoke out against the arrest of Say California President David Fuerta, who was detained during protests in L.A. His situation has become a focal point for the protests and discussions among lawmakers.
Another group continued to protest outside the Massachusetts State Capitol the following day.
Atlanta
In Atlanta, police dispersed a crowd using tear gas during protests along a local highway. The demonstration, which featured both English and Spanish chants, attracted large and enthusiastic families. Law enforcement reported multiple warnings before arresting six individuals after some in the crowd threw rocks and fireworks.
Chicago
A protest in Chicago turned chaotic when a driver drove into a group of demonstrators, injuring at least one person. The situation led to clashes with police, resulting in 17 arrests. However, a separate rally on Thursday saw hundreds march peacefully, even heading toward Trump Tower.
Denver
In Denver, local SEIU chapters organized protests against Fuerta’s arrest on Monday. Another group marched towards an ICE detention center in Aurora. A much larger protest at the Colorado State Capitol attracted over 1,000 people; as they blocked intersections and began marching, police responded with pepper balls to disperse the crowd, resulting in 17 arrests.
Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, police detained 94 individuals during protests on Wednesday night, claiming that some attendees threw bottles and rocks at officers. This followed a rally supporting Fuerta organized by the local SEIU branch.
Seattle
In Seattle, protesters gathered outside a federal building on Tuesday and Wednesday. Initially calm, Wednesday’s demonstration grew chaotic after dark, leading to clashes with police and at least one incident involving fireworks. Eight arrests were made during these protests.
San Antonio
Around 400 protesters gathered in downtown San Antonio on Wednesday, particularly near the Alamo. This rally followed an announcement from Governor Greg Abbott about deploying National Guard troops to a planned protest site. While military presence was observed, they did not interfere with the demonstrators.
