Thousands protest ICE as tensions rise nationwide
(CNN)- Demonstrators chanting “ICE out of New York!” and other slogans filled streets in cities across the country this week, protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies under President Donald Trump. The largest crowds gathered in Los Angeles, where officials say the vast majority of protesters remained peaceful.
“When these peaceful rallies end and the protesters head home, another element moves in,” warned City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado.
Authorities say more than 20 businesses in L.A. were looted overnight, prompting a curfew in parts of the city. Flash bangs echoed through downtown streets as police attempted to disperse crowds. In response, President Trump deployed National Guard troops to the city—despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“We do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces, not in L.A., not in California, not anywhere,” said Newsom.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made a direct appeal to the White House: “I would appeal to the president to stop the ICE raids so that we can have stability in our city.”
A U.S. official confirmed that hundreds of Marines mobilized by the president have received briefings on the rules for use of force on American soil. Protests also erupted in Washington, Boston, Atlanta, Denver, Milwaukee, San Francisco, New York, and Chicago—where video captured a car cutting through a crowd of demonstrators. The White House maintains undocumented immigrants violated the law by entering the country illegally. Protesters argue ICE is targeting individuals who are otherwise law-abiding and embedded in their communities.
“They’ve taken four or five students from where I work,” said one Chicago protester. “These are my children. These are all of our children, and we need to take care of them and protect them and their families.”
