A curfew has been enacted in downtown Los Angeles following the arrival of approximately 700 Marines on Tuesday. This federal response comes as the city grapples with five consecutive days of intense protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The situation reflects a broader national outcry against the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies.
Across the United States, demonstrators have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. While many of these protests have remained peaceful, there have been instances of conflict between police and protesters in several cities, including Los Angeles during the active curfew hours.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced via X (formerly Twitter) that mass arrests were underway in downtown LA after the curfew was set from 8 PM to 6 AM. In their message, the LAPD stated that individuals engaged in unlawful assembly or criminal activities would be detained and arrested, reinforcing the law enforcement's stance on maintaining order during these protests.
In New York City, significant clashes erupted at Foley Square, where thousands rallied against ICE and expressed solidarity with the demonstrators in Los Angeles. NYPD Sergeant Matt Evans informed Axios that police were summoned to the scene around 5:10 PM after protesters blocked traffic and refused to comply with police requests to clear the roadway. As the situation was evolving, it was unclear how many arrests had been made.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, thousands participated in protests against ICE in downtown. Although most of the demonstrations were peaceful, there were sporadic confrontations between police and protesters, resulting in six arrests. Reports indicate that a driver struck a group of protesters, but fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Dozens gathered in Washington, D.C. for ICE protests, with larger rallies anticipated for the upcoming Saturday. Organizers are gearing up for extensive demonstrations across the nation to challenge President Trump's planned military parade on June 14, dubbing the event the No Kings protests, with expectations of millions participating.
In Denver, Colorado, thousands rallied against ICE and in support of the Los Angeles protesters at the Colorado State Capitol. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of significant issues during this demonstration. The Denver Police Department issued a precautionary advisory for motorists and pedestrians, warning of large crowds and potential road closures, suggesting alternate routes.
In Santa Ana, California, the National Guard was deployed to assist with ICE protests, a day after tear gas was used on demonstrators. While tensions were high initially, the situation de-escalated, and the group left the area without further incident after an unlawful assembly was declared. Additionally, protests have spread to other major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Seattle.
As the protests against ICE continue to unfold across the country, the deployment of troops and heightened law enforcement responses reflect the escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies. With public sentiment increasingly critical of the Trump administration's handling of these protests, the situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days.