From Seattle to San Antonio, demonstrators clash with police and National Guard troops as federal immigration raids intensify. More protests are planned ahead of Trump’s D.C. military parade.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Protests are sweeping across the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s immigration raids and his controversial decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines, particularly in Los Angeles.
As demonstrators rally under the banner of “No Kings,” a reference to opposition against authoritarianism, tensions are mounting across several cities. With larger protests planned to coincide with Trump’s upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., the country braces for more unrest.
Seattle: Graffiti, Fireworks, and Clashes with Police
In Seattle, hundreds of protesters marched to a federal building handling immigration cases. Demonstrators set a nearby dumpster on fire and covered the building in graffiti, with “Abolish ICE Now” boldly scrawled across its window. As the scene escalated, police used pepper spray to push back the crowd. Protesters reportedly hurled rocks and fireworks at officers while others attempted to block entrances with electric bikes and cones.
New York City: 86 Arrested in Manhattan Protest
In New York City’s Foley Square, over 2,500 protesters rallied near ICE facilities and courthouses. Signs reading “ICE out of NYC” filled the air as tensions escalated. Protesters clashed with police after breaching barricades, leading to 86 arrests. Of those, 52 were issued court summonses while 34 faced more serious charges like assault and resisting arrest. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the city’s support for peaceful protest but condemned the outbreak of violence.
San Antonio: National Guard Joins as City Hall Protest Remains Peaceful
More than 400 people demonstrated peacefully outside San Antonio City Hall, marching from the historic Alamo as police blocked off streets. The Texas National Guard was present, though not in a direct enforcement role.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not disclose how many troops were deployed or their exact missions but stated they would be stationed at “strategic locations.” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg distanced the city from the troop deployment and urged demonstrators to stay peaceful.
Philadelphia: Road March Ends in Arrests
About 150 people gathered near the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, marching to ICE headquarters before returning. When protesters blocked a main road and ignored dispersal orders, police arrested 15. Two officers were injured, and the use of force during arrests is under review.
San Francisco: Court Protests and Mass Arrests
Protests in San Francisco outside the city’s Immigration Court led to multiple arrests earlier in the week. Demonstrations had swelled to thousands, and over 150 people were arrested as protests turned chaotic with vandalism and attacks on police vehicles. Two officers were injured, though not seriously.
Chicago: Car Hits Protester, Felony Charges Filed
A downtown Chicago protest saw 17 arrests, including four individuals facing felony charges for vandalism and battery. A 66-year-old woman suffered a broken arm after being struck by a car that sped through the crowd. The incident was captured on video and is under investigation.
Denver: Capitol March Ends with Smoke and Pepper Balls
Protesters outside the Colorado state capitol in Denver split into groups marching through traffic-clogged streets. Police attempted to disperse crowds using smoke and pepper balls, arresting 17 participants. Signs like “Show your faces. ICE cowards.” highlighted the mood of defiance.
Spokane: Mayor Imposes Curfew Amid Tensions
In Spokane, over 30 people were arrested after a demonstration near an ICE office. Officers used pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Mayor Lisa Brown imposed a curfew from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., citing public safety, though she affirmed support for peaceful protest.
With more “No Kings” demonstrations planned and tensions high ahead of Trump’s planned military parade, immigration policy continues to ignite fierce resistance across the country.