LA's protests swell to Chicago, Atlanta; more planned despite Trump's warning

India Today

a day ago

The wave of protests that began in Los Angeles over federal immigration raids, which led President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines, has now spread to cities across the country. Demonstrators in places like Seattle, Austin, Chicago and Washington DC. have taken to the streets, chanting anti-ICE slogans, carrying protest signs and blocking traffic near federal buildings and in major downtown areas.advertisementWhile many of the demonstrations have remained peaceful, some have escalated into confrontations with police, who have made arrests and used chemical agents to disperse crowds. Activist groups are now organising a new round of nationwide protests, including a series of 'No Kings' rallies planned for Saturday to coincide with Trump's scheduled military parade in the capital. Los Angeles protests – Top developments
Protests erupted on June 6 in Los Angeles after federal agents detained over 40 migrants in a high-profile immigration enforcement raid. President Trump responded with the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, a move denounced by Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, who said 'democracy is under assault.'
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Mayor Bass imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday for a one-square-mile zone in downtown LA. Violence, vandalism and looting triggered the measure. Bass also said she would contact President Trump to demand a halt to the raids and to shift focus to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a relatively calm Monday, tensions flared again Tuesday. Police arrested 197 people, which is more than double the weekend's 50 arrests. Clashes included the torching of vehicles, the use of fireworks against police, and looting, including the ransacking of an Apple Store.
In nearby Santa Ana, streets were blocked by armored vehicles outside the Civic Center. Protesters clashed with counter-protesters, including Trump supporters. National Guard troops restricted access, while graffiti-covered buildings reflected the city's anger toward ICE.
In Washington DC, unions and activists marched past the Department of Justice, demanding the release of detained union leader David Huerta. US Rep. Pramila Jayapal joined protesters, calling out the administration's "sweeping up of innocent people."
In Philadelphia, as many as 150 protesters gathered outside ICE offices, obstructed roads using bicycles, and clashed with police after refusing to disperse. Fifteen people were arrested, including one for alleged aggravated assault. Police confirmed injuries to both officers and protesters.
After peaceful marches, San Francisco saw vandalism and over 150 arrests. Two officers were injured. While most of the protest remained peaceful, breakaway groups damaged police cars, buses, and buildings. Police said they support free speech but warned that violence would not be tolerated.
advertisementOutside Seattle's immigration court, about 50 protesters gathered, chanting and drumming. Activist Mathieu Chabaud said they were demonstrating in solidarity with Los Angeles and calling for ICE's abolition.
In New York city, large crowds gathered outside immigration courts, chanting against ICE and questioning the presence of riot police. Multiple arrests were made, though no charges were immediately announced.
Chicago protests swelled to over a thousand by Tuesday evening. Demonstrators marched peacefully, publicly denouncing the military presence in Los Angeles. In Boston, hundreds filled City Hall Plaza in support of detained labor leader David Huerta. 'An immigrant doesn't stand between an American worker and a good job, a billionaire does,' said Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.
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IN THIS STORY#United States of America#Donald Trump