Rallies protesting ICE raids and the government's immigration policies have spread across California and beyond this week. A series of so-called No Kings demonstrations are planned nationwide for Saturday.
Following the unrest in Los Angeles over the weekend, activists are organizing demonstrations in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and other cities across the country. The protests have gained momentum as more people join the movement against the detention and removal of suspected undocumented migrants.
President Donald Trump deployed 700 marines and over 2,000 National Guard troops in response to the protests in L.A., leading to the arrest of 56 individuals. This move was strongly criticized by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who called it executive overreach. The state of California is suing the Trump administration over the National Guard deployment, deeming it unlawful.
There have been at least 25 rallies and demonstrations from coast to coast, with varying numbers of participants. Many of the protesters are trade unionists advocating for the release of SEIU California President David Huerta, who was arrested during the protests.
California and the West Coast
Thousands marched through San Francisco in the second day of anti-ICE protests, with some incidents of vandalism and arrests reported. San Jose, San Diego, and other cities in the West Coast also saw protests against ICE policies.
New York and the East Coast
In New York, nine people were arrested after a standoff with police during a rally outside Trump Tower. Similar protests were held in Boston, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia against ICE raids and the travel ban imposed on several countries.
Texas, the South, and the Midwest
Protests in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and other cities in Texas drew hundreds of participants. Rallies also took place in Charlotte, Atlanta, Louisville, Memphis, Chicago, Detroit, and Oklahoma City. Despite the protests, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that ICE would continue its enforcement of immigration laws.
Source: NBC News
