In the wake of intense protests in Los Angeles sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, a burgeoning national movement against the Trump administration’s immigration policies has taken hold, with demonstrations erupting from coast to coast.
The unrest, which began in Los Angeles on Friday, June 6, 2025, has galvanized activists in cities including New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Las Vegas, signaling a growing backlash against ICE operations and the deployment of federal forces to quell dissent.
According to NBC, the protests were ignited by a series of aggressive ICE raids targeting workplaces, including a Home Depot in Paramount and Ambiance Apparel in the Fashion District, where over 40 immigrants were detained on suspicion of immigration violations.
These operations, described by California officials as “chaotic federal sweeps,” involved federal agents in tactical gear using flash-bang grenades, tear gas, and less-than-lethal munitions to disperse crowds of protesters who gathered to confront them.
The arrests included individuals with and without criminal backgrounds, with ICE reporting that 56% of the 28,797 people booked into their facilities in May 2025 had criminal histories.
The situation escalated when President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Saturday, June 7, followed by an additional 2,000 troops and 700 Marines on Monday, June 9, to support ICE operations and protect federal personnel and property.
This move, which bypassed the authority of California Governor Gavin Newsom, drew sharp criticism from state and local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who called the deployment “completely unnecessary” and accused the administration of sowing chaos.
Newsom went further, labeling the federalization of the state’s National Guard as “illegal and immoral” and filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration.
The arrest of David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) of California, during a protest on Friday further fueled outrage.
Huerta, detained while documenting a raid, was charged with obstructing federal agents, galvanizing organized labor and prompting nationwide demonstrations in his defense.
Protesters, including trade unionists, have demanded his release and an end to what they call a “terrorizing” crackdown on immigrant communities.
By Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the protests had spread beyond California, with NBC News reporting at least 25 rallies and demonstrations across the United States.
Some events drew thousands, while others involved smaller groups of dozens, united in their opposition to ICE raids and the administration’s immigration policies.
In San Francisco, thousands marched peacefully on Monday, though isolated acts of vandalism were reported. In New York, nine people were arrested following a tense standoff at a rally targeting ICE raids and a recent travel ban affecting 12 countries.
Additional protests were planned for Tuesday in cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta, with a series of “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled nationwide for Saturday, June 14.
The protests reflect a broader resistance to the Trump administration’s immigration agenda, which includes a goal of 3,000 daily arrests by ICE, a significant increase from the 660 daily arrests during the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency.
Critics, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, argue that the raids have targeted not only undocumented immigrants but also legal residents, including those with permanent status, leading to legal challenges and accusations of overreach.
