Hundreds disperse from anti-ICE rally along Buford Highway
The Brief
Demonstrators protested against recent immigration raids and deportations, accusing the Trump administration of targeting immigrant communities and using federal force to silence dissent.
The rally was organized in response to increased ICE activity in metro Atlanta, with accusations of militarizing federal agencies and deploying the National Guard to suppress protests.
Protesters shared personal stories of loved ones detained or deported, highlighting the impact on families and questioning the fairness and safety of immigration enforcement tactics.
BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Tuesday night along Buford Highway in Brookhaven to protest recent immigration raids and deportations carried out under the Trump administration, joining a wave of unrest that has swept across the country.
The protest, held outside Northeast Plaza, drew a large and passionate crowd of activists, families, and community members. Many carried signs, chanted in English and Spanish, and shared personal stories of family members detained or deported.
SEE ALSO: Protesters call for end of ICE raids, deportations at Atlanta rally
What we know
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Tuesday night along Buford Highway in Brookhaven to protest recent immigration raids and deportations carried out under the Trump administration, joining a wave of unrest that has swept across the country.
The protest, held outside Northeast Plaza, drew a large and passionate crowd of activists, families, and community members. Many carried signs, chanted in English and Spanish, and shared personal stories of family members detained or deported.Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Tuesday night along Buford Highway in Brookhaven to protest recent immigration raids and deportations carried out under the Trump administration, joining a wave of unrest that has swept across the country.
The protest, held outside Northeast Plaza, drew a large and passionate crowd of activists, families, and community members. Many carried signs, chanted in English and Spanish, and shared personal stories of family members detained or deported.
What we don't know
Earlier in the night, Brookhaven Police said one person was arrested after being warned multiple times to stay off the street.
Since then, police have not commented on other arrests or reports of patrol cars being damaged.
What they're saying
Protesters say they plan to continue demonstrations in solidarity with those facing immigration enforcement actions across the country.
"I'm out here because they deported my grandpa last night," said one man, who identified himself as a U.S. citizen. "He's a hard-working man. I get out of work today and I find this out. My people are protesting and I'm so proud of them. These people don't know what we're going through—struggling, building houses, making this America rich."
Maria Hernandez, another protester, said immigration agents are tearing families apart. "There's a lot of people being kidnapped off the streets and from their work sites," she said. "These are men that mostly don't have criminal records, and it's affecting the whole community."
"We want people to know the Mexican race is always going to have your back no matter what," the man whose grandfather was deported said. "We're not going away."
Big picture view
The rally was one of several nationwide demonstrations opposing what activists describe as the militarization of immigration enforcement. In Los Angeles, a curfew was issued Tuesday night after reports of vandalism and looting, and protests erupted in Chicago and New York City as well.
President Trump has deployed more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to areas experiencing large demonstrations. The administration says the troops are intended to protect federal property and ICE agents amid what it describes as threats to public safety.
"I want to applaud the courage and the strength of the incredible troops who are right now standing guard to protect federal property and personnel," Trump said in a recorded address. "They're protecting our ICE agents. They're protecting the police in Los Angeles."
The move has drawn criticism from California officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local state of emergency, while Governor Gavin Newsom called the troop deployment "illegal" in a video statement.
SEE ALSO:
Trump sends Marines and more National Guard members to Los Angeles amid protests
Trump visits Fort Bragg amid criticism over military deployment in response to immigration protests
Protesters call for end of ICE raids, deportations at Atlanta rally
LA protests: Riot gear distributed by masked group sparks questions
New travel ban sparks concerns among immigrants in metro Atlanta
The Source
FOX 5's Christopher King was at the rally and spoke with those participating in it. FOX News contributed to this report. This story has been updated to provided updated information.
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