Nationwide protests erupt over ICE raids and military deployment in Los Angeles
(CNN)- Chants echoed through the streets of cities across the country as anti-ICE demonstrations intensified this week. The protests were sparked by recent immigration workplace raids in Los Angeles, and have since spread to cities including New York, Chicago, Boston, and beyond.
In several locations, police arrested demonstrators for allegedly blocking roads and violating protest regulations. In Los Angeles, tensions escalated following the arrest of a union leader accused of impeding law enforcement during a protest. The individual has since been released on bail, but his arrest has fueled further outrage among labor and immigration advocates.
“We’re standing in solidarity right now with thousands of workers across the country in over 20 different cities to demand an end to the ICE raids,” said Dave Foley, President of SEIU Local 509.
President Donald Trump defended his decision to deploy both National Guard members and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, citing public safety concerns amid the unrest. California Governor Gavin Newsom, however, criticized the move as inflammatory. Other leaders, including Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), echoed that sentiment: “No military tactics need to be utilized at this time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, the White House’s border czar, reaffirmed the administration’s stance. “We’re in every city in the country, and ICE is going to be out every single day. We’ll continue to be out there regardless of what’s happening in L.A.,” he said.
