After days of unrest in Los Angeles, protests against U.S. immigration enforcement policies have continued to grow across the country, with demonstrations held Tuesday in cities such as New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta.
The wave of rallies, aimed at opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and the federal government’s approach to immigration, has gained traction with a broader series of “No Kings” protests scheduled for Saturday across the country. Despite mounting demonstrations, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated Tuesday that federal immigration enforcement operations would continue as planned: “ICE will uphold its duty to enforce the law.”
President Trump deployed more than 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 marines. The decision drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who both condemned the action as an abuse of executive authority. California has since filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the deployment was unconstitutional.
Thousands marched through San Francisco for a second day of anti-ICE demonstrations, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Police described the protest as “mostly peaceful,” though they noted that small groups engaged in vandalism later in the evening. Several arrests were made, though the exact number was not disclosed. The day prior, at least 60 individuals were taken into custody in San Francisco for failing to disperse when ordered.
In Orange County, about 1,000 people rallied outside a federal building in Santa Ana, with police stating the event unlawful before making arrests. San Jose also saw hundreds gather at City Hall, while two separate demonstrations unfolded in San Diego. Protests were also held in Portland, Seattle, and Las Vegas.
On Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers from California held a press conference addressing the ICE raids and National Guard presence in L.A. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, who represents Paramount—the area where the protests began—said local law enforcement already had the situation under control when the National Guard arrived: “The LAPD and the sheriff’s department managed the situation, then suddenly, the National Guard was sent in. This feels more like an attempt to stir unrest than to restore order.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has stated that neither the police department nor city officials requested National Guard assistance. He added that the troops’ primary responsibility was to protect federal assets, not assist with protest management: “their presence has heightened tension, they’re not working alongside us, and their role here is unclear.” Mayor Karen Bass echoed those concerns during an MSNBC interview,: “we are 12 months away from the World Cup, and we’re trying to bring our city together to beautify our city. And look at what has happened now. The White House instigated this by having ICE raids in our city. They are telling us that they’re going to have raids for the next 30 days.”
On the East Coast, nine individuals were arrested in New York during a protest outside Trump Tower on Monday. According to the NYPD, the arrests stemmed from demonstrators blocking traffic and refusing to disperse. The rally condemned both ongoing ICE operations and a recent travel ban affecting 12 nations, along with new restrictions imposed on travelers from seven additional countries. Smaller demonstrations were also held in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and Baltimore.
Protests extended to other cities including Charlotte, Atlanta, Louisville, Memphis, Chicago, Detroit, and Oklahoma City. In Dallas, Texas at least one person was detained as protesters temporarily shut down a major intersection, and roughly 500 protesters gathered at the Texas Capitol in Austin on Monday, with similar crowds reported in San Antonio. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that more than a dozen people were arrested during the protest in Austin; in a post on X, Abbott said: “between the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, more than a dozen protesters were arrested in Austin. Peaceful protesting is legal. But once you cross the line, you will be arrested. FAFO.” (referencing the acronym for “f— around and find out.”)
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