The recent protests in Los Angeles have sparked a wave of demonstrations across major cities in the United States, driven by widespread discontent over President Donald Trump's stringent immigration policies and aggressive actions taken by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As tensions rise, more protests are scheduled nationwide this week, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, DC, celebrating the Army's 250th birthday.
In a move that has further fueled public outcry, President Trump invoked a seldom-used law last weekend to federalize the National Guard, disregarding the objections of California's Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, and local leaders. This decision has intensified the response from protesters and community members alike. Additionally, the Trump administration deployed 700 Marines to the Los Angeles area on Monday. As of Wednesday morning, these Marines were still in training, and details regarding their imminent deployment to assist local law enforcement during the protests remain unclear, as per a spokesperson from US Northern Command.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has responded to the escalating situation by announcing the deployment of an undisclosed number of Texas National Guard troops across the state. This decision comes in anticipation of the upcoming “No Kings” protests, which are part of a series of anti-Trump events and rallies planned nationwide, including significant gatherings in San Antonio. Abbott's proactive measures reflect concerns over potential unrest during these events.
The “No Kings” protests are set to take place this Saturday, with various events organized across the nation. The group has made it clear that they are not coordinating any activities in Washington, DC, where the military parade will occur, emphasizing that “real power isn’t staged in Washington.” This statement highlights the group's focus on grassroots activism rather than traditional political spectacles.
In response to the mounting protests, the Los Angeles Police Department announced on Tuesday that it had commenced making “mass arrests.” Additionally, LA Mayor Karen Bass has instituted an evening curfew that may remain in effect for several days. This curfew, which affects a limited area of about one square mile, impacts fewer than 100,000 residents out of Los Angeles's 4 million population, according to local authorities.
As this situation evolves, CNN is providing ongoing coverage and visualizations of the developments through interactive maps. Stay tuned for updates as the protests progress and the national dialogue on immigration policy continues to unfold.
