In recent days, a wave of protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has swept across the United States, sparked by aggressive immigration raids and the arrest of a prominent union leader in Los Angeles.

According to The Independent, demonstrations have erupted in 35 cities across 19 states, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets to oppose the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies.

These protests, which began in Los Angeles on June 6, 2025, have highlighted deep divisions over immigration enforcement and raised concerns about escalating tensions, including the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in response to the unrest. This article explores the scope, causes, and implications of these nationwide protests.

The protests were ignited in Los Angeles following ICE raids on June 6, 2025, which resulted in over 40 arrests across the city, including in areas like the Fashion District and a Home Depot parking lot.

The situation escalated with the arrest of David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) of California, who was charged with felony conspiracy to impede an officer during a demonstration.

Huerta’s detention galvanized labor unions and immigrant rights groups, with SEIU chapters organizing nationwide rallies to demand his release and an end to ICE operations.

Huerta was later released, but his arrest fueled broader outrage against what activists call “militarized” immigration enforcement tactics.

In Los Angeles, protests grew increasingly confrontational, with demonstrators blocking major freeways, setting self-driving cars on fire, and clashing with law enforcement.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported over 300 arrests since the protests began, with incidents of vandalism and looting prompting a curfew in parts of downtown Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Trump administration responded by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops and placing 700 active-duty Marines on standby, a move criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom as an “unnecessary” and “illegal” overreach.

The unrest in Los Angeles quickly inspired solidarity protests across the country, with The Independent mapping out demonstrations in 35 cities across 19 states. Major cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, and Atlanta saw significant protests, alongside smaller cities such as Omaha, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa.

The protests varied in size, ranging from dozens to thousands of participants, and were largely driven by opposition to ICE’s workplace raids and the broader immigration crackdown.

Key Protest Locations and Events

• New York City: Thousands gathered in Foley Square, chanting “ICE out of New York” and holding signs condemning the deportation of workers. On June 9, about two dozen protesters were arrested during a sit-in at Trump Tower, demanding the release of individuals deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison. Clashes near an ICE office in Manhattan saw water bottles thrown at police, with 86 arrests reported on June 10.

• Chicago: Thousands marched through downtown Chicago, with protests remaining largely peaceful until a car drove through a crowd near an immigration court, narrowly missing demonstrators. Seventeen people were arrested, four facing felony charges. Chicago’s large Mexican population has made it a focal point for ICE raids, amplifying local outrage.

• Austin: Hundreds gathered at the Texas Capitol before marching to the J.J. Pickle Federal Building, where ICE maintains an office. Police used pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the crowd after reports of vandalism, with 12 arrests made. Four officers were injured during the confrontations.

• San Francisco: Over 150 people were arrested after a violent demonstration near an ICE office, with reports of damaged buildings and vehicles. Protests continued near the San Francisco Immigration Court, where additional arrests were made.

• Atlanta: Hundreds marched along Buford Highway, a hub for immigrant-owned businesses, calling for an end to targeted arrests. At least one person was arrested during the protests, which included displays of fireworks near law enforcement.

• Denver: Hundreds protested outside the Colorado Capitol, with demonstrations growing chaotic as some marchers threw objects at police. No tear gas was used, but at least one person was detained.

• Santa Ana, California: Protests swelled from 100 to over 1,000 near the Santa Ana Federal Building, with reports of fireworks and objects thrown at police, who responded with tear gas and flash-bangs.

• San Antonio: Ahead of planned protests, Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the Texas National Guard, prompting criticism from outgoing Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who urged peaceful demonstrations.

Other cities, including Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Houston, and Washington, D.C., also saw significant protests, often organized by labor unions, immigrant rights groups, and grassroots movements like the “50501” campaign.