Nationwide Protests Erupt in Response to Immigration Raids

From small daytime gatherings to marches involving thousands, protests denouncing immigration enforcement raids have steadily spread across the United States. Additional demonstrations are anticipated in the coming days.

Some protests were organized spontaneously by local residents caught off guard by sudden immigration raids, while others were coordinated efforts led by groups such as the International Service Employees Union, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the progressive political group Movement 50501.

Although most protests have remained peaceful, several incidents of violence and unrest have been reported. In Los Angeles, certain vehicles were set on fire and some individuals threw stones and bottles at law enforcement officers.

Below are key locations where protests have taken place:

Atlanta

On Tuesday night, over 1,000 protesters gathered in Buford Highway, a predominantly Hispanic and Asian American neighborhood in the Atlanta metropolitan area. After police ordered the crowd to disperse, the number of demonstrators quickly declined. Authorities then deployed chemical irritants and riot shields against those who remained. Six individuals were arrested during the protests, according to local police.

Austin

Several hundred people assembled on the grounds of the state Capitol on Monday evening. When some protesters refused to disperse by the 8 p.m. curfew, Austin police blocked the crowd and deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the gathering.

Chicago

Thousands marched through downtown Chicago on Tuesday to oppose immigration raids. Demonstrators calling for a ceasefire in Gaza also joined the march. Later that evening, dozens confronted police outside a federal building, resulting in seventeen arrests.

Dallas

A march drew several hundred participants to downtown Dallas on Monday. By 9:40 p.m., police declared the assembly unlawful. The crowd was cleared by midnight, and one person was taken into custody.

Los Angeles

Police on foot and horseback fired foam projectiles to disperse protesters downtown shortly before a second consecutive night of curfew took effect, imposed by Mayor Karen Bass.

The President has deployed National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines to quell demonstrations in the city, which began last Friday. More than 380 arrests have been made since then.

New York

Since last week, a fluctuating number of protesters have gathered daily outside the federal immigration office in Lower Manhattan, leading to sporadic but intense clashes with police. At least 115 arrests have occurred, including 22 individuals who attempted to block vans transporting migrants and 86 detained on a recent Tuesday night.

Omaha

During a raid at a meatpacking plant on Tuesday, approximately 70 individuals were detained by immigration authorities. In response, community members protested outside the facility throughout the day.

Philadelphia

On Tuesday afternoon, over 100 people gathered in Center City to protest immigration raids. The demonstration lasted several hours before police ordered the crowd to disperse, arresting at least 15 individuals during the process.

Raleigh, North Carolina

The Southern Workers Union organized a rally attracting around 200 participants at Moore Square. Protesters called for an end to nationwide immigration raids and demanded the withdrawal of the National Guard from Los Angeles.

St. Louis

More than 200 people took to the streets on Wednesday night, carrying signs and flags while chanting slogans. Police blocked several city streets. Earlier that day, protesters had gathered on an overpass near the St. Louis Zoo, receiving honks of support from passing drivers. Both events concluded by 6 p.m. to minimize contact with law enforcement.

Seattle

At least 1,000 people marched on Wednesday afternoon from Cal Anderson Park to downtown Seattle. Following incidents including setting a trash container on fire and blocking an intersection with tables and trash bins, police issued a dispersal order and began pushing back the crowd. Eight arrests were reported.

Spokane, Washington

On Wednesday, around 1,000 protesters gathered downtown and near the local immigration enforcement office. Some formed a human barricade along a road to prevent officials from departing with detainees in a vehicle. As the crowd grew, city authorities imposed a curfew from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Police used pepper balls to disperse demonstrators and arrested more than 30 people.