Anti-Immigration Raid Protests Spread Nationwide, Prompting Mass Arrests and Military Deployments
Protests sparked by immigration raids in Los Angeles have spread across the United States, with dozens of demonstrators arrested in New York City overnight.
In Los Angeles, demonstrations have continued for five straight days, and a newly imposed overnight curfew came into effect downtown on Tuesday evening.
Marches also took place in New York, Atlanta, and Chicago on Tuesday night, with protesters chanting anti-ICE slogans and, in some instances, clashing with police.
Over 80 Arrested in New York as Protests Escalate
Authorities detained more than 80 people in Lower Manhattan between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Elsewhere, an impromptu protest broke out in Omaha, Nebraska, following ICE raids at a local meat-packing facility. Hundreds took to the streets, echoing growing outrage over immigration enforcement actions.
Demonstrations are expected to swell further on Saturday, when nationwide anti-Trump protests are planned to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C. The event marks the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Texas Deploys National Guard, LA Awaits Marines
Texas Governor Greg Abbott became the first governor to deploy the National Guard ahead of upcoming demonstrations in cities like San Antonio. The move follows a tense standoff in Austin on Monday, where police used tear gas and pepper balls against protesters.
President Trump has also mobilised 700 U.S. Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, citing the need to protect federal personnel and infrastructure. While these forces are not currently authorised to make arrests, the Pentagon confirmed they will provide security for ICE officers during immigration operations.
Major General Scott Sherman, leading the Marine deployment, said his troops would arrive in LA soon but not before Wednesday, as they were still undergoing riot control training outside the city.
Mass Arrests in Los Angeles as Curfew Takes Effect
In downtown LA, a strict curfew from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday led to immediate enforcement, with at least 25 arrests shortly after it began. The LAPD later confirmed that “mass arrests” were underway for those violating the curfew.
Although President Trump called in the California National Guard despite opposition from local officials, Guard troops were stationed at federal buildings and did not participate in Tuesday night’s arrests.
By an hour after the curfew’s start, only a few protesters remained downtown, suggesting the restriction had some effect.
Despite mostly peaceful demonstrations, the LA protests have been marred by incidents of vandalism and looting—adding pressure on city officials to contain the unrest.
