Federal immigration raids in Los Angeles spark protests nationwide

Federal immigration enforcement operations across Los Angeles on Friday culminating President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in the city, have ignited a series of protests across the country.

The crisis began on Friday when agents from ICE, HSI, DEA and FBI conducted raids at multiple locations, including a Home Depot in the Westlake District and businesses in downtown LA’s Fashion District. The operations reportedly resulted in more than 100 arrests, with 44 taken into custody at one operation site. Among those arrested was prominent California labor leader David Huerta, who was injured when pushed to the ground by federal agents while observing the raid as part of a rapid response network.

Protesters initially assembled in Chinatown Friday evening to confront federal agents, with demonstrations expanding downtown over the weekend. The situation intensified as demonstrators blocked freeway traffic, ignited fires and damaged buildings, leading police to deploy tear gas and make more arrests.

Federal officials have defended the enforcement actions and criticized the protests. A senior DHS spokesperson said immigration authorities are following proper legal procedures for deportations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned that individuals who attack law enforcement officers will face prosecution.

Meanwhile, Trump defended the National Guard deployment, citing violence and disorder in the city while criticizing state and local leadership. The president activated emergency powers Saturday evening, deploying National Guard members and later adding 700 active-duty Marines in what legal experts describe as the first federalization of state National Guard units without gubernatorial consent in approximately 60 years.

Monday saw thousands gather peacefully in Grand Park slamming the raids and calling for Huerta’s release, a scene that contrasted sharply with the damaged downtown area now patrolled by police and National Guard personnel. Huerta appeared in federal court on conspiracy charges and was released on $50,000 bond with conditions that bar him from approaching federal operations within 100 yards.

The situation remains volatile as California officials have mounted legal challenges against the federal response. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Monday arguing Trump’s orders exceed federal authority. On Tuesday, California attorneys requested an emergency court order to temporarily prohibit the use of Marines and federalized National Guard for law enforcement, claiming the federal government intends to use troops to accompany immigration enforcement officers on raids.

The unrest has now spread nationwide, with activists organizing rallies in major cities. Since Monday, at least 25 protests have been documented coast to coast, ranging from dozens to thousands of participants. In New York, at least nine people were arrested during a tense Monday rally targeting ICE raids and the travel ban on multiple countries. Similar scenes unfolded in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and other East Coast cities.

The movement has also gained momentum in Texas and across the South and Midwest. Hundreds gathered at the Texas Capitol on Monday. Additional demonstrations reportedly occurred in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis and Oklahoma City, with more protests planned for Tuesday. A series of nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations is also scheduled for Saturday.