In the wake of intensified federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, protests have erupted in cities across the United States. As these demonstrations continue, tensions have mounted with considerable implications for civic order and law enforcement.
While a number of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been peaceful, others have drawn confrontations with authorities, resulting in numerous arrests. President Trump has responded by deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, a move prompted by protests against his escalated immigration enforcement policies. A federal appeals court is set to review the government’s appeal against a judicial verdict challenging Trump’s jurisdiction over California’s National Guard troops.
Despite the unrest, the Trump administration maintains that immigration raids and deportations will press on. The volatility of the protests has led to curfews being imposed in Los Angeles and Spokane, Washington. Furthermore, Republican governors in Texas and Missouri have mobilized National Guard troops in readiness to assist in managing the demonstrations.
On a nationwide scale, activists are organizing “No Kings” protests slated for Saturday, an initiative aimed at confronting Trump’s military parade planned in Washington, D.C. A closer look reveals the varied reactions and events unfolding in cities across the country:
In Newark, New Jersey, a protest at a federal immigration detention facility turned confrontational when demonstrators, reacting to news of delayed meals within the center, clashed with law enforcement. Officers resorted to pepper spray and force to subdue the crowd, resulting in minor injuries, according to the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.
Chicago witnessed a significant gathering near Lake Michigan, where hundreds convened to voice their opposition. An organizer underscored the importance of self-protection and urged political leaders to advocate on behalf of communities impacted by immigration policies. The protest procession involved heightened security measures, with the group escorted by their own marshals and police.
In Spokane, Washington, tensions led to the imposition of a downtown curfew after a demonstration outside an ICE office ended with several arrests and law enforcement deploying pepper balls. Despite disorder among certain elements, the majority of protesters were peaceful, emphasized Mayor Lisa Brown, reasserting the importance of the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Meanwhile, in Anchorage, Alaska, a small yet persistent group of demonstrators continued their protests outside the Anchorage Correctional Complex, where nearly 40 detainees are held by ICE. The Department of Corrections has initiated a temporary lockdown as a precautionary measure against potential statewide protests.
The movement branded as “No Kings” has announced demonstrations in nearly 2,000 locations nationwide. Although the main rally is planned for Philadelphia, there are no events scheduled in Washington, D.C. In Florida, Attorney General James Uthmeier has warned that any acts of violence by protesters at these demonstrations would be met with strict consequences. A directive from the Justice Department implores federal prosecutors to prioritize cases involving violent protest actions, citing potential charges such as assault and civil disorder.
In preparation for the weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe have set National Guard troops on standby. Abbott has confirmed the readiness of over 5,000 Guard troops alongside more than 2,000 state police officers for potential aid in local law enforcement efforts. Texas has seen minor clashes recently in cities like Austin and Dallas. Governor Kehoe, while not specifying troop details, described the deployment as a “precautionary measure.”