Nationwide Unrest In US: From LA To NYC, Anti-ICE Protests Erupt Across Major Cities

Last Updated:June 11, 2025, 17:35 IST

Demonstrations have broken out in more than a dozen cities following mass immigration raids in Los Angeles.

A protester waves a flag standing by California Guard parked along a street in Santa Ana, California. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

Nationwide protests have erupted across the United States in response to immigration raids launched by federal authorities in Los Angeles last week. The operations, carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targeted unauthorised immigrants in Latino-majority areas, triggering widespread backlash. Tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of troops and marines to Los Angeles, drawing criticism from state officials and civil rights groups.

The raids and subsequent military action have galvanised activists, civil society groups and a significant number of citizens, leading to mass demonstrations across major American cities. Protesters are demanding an end to the raids, the release of detained activists and a withdrawal of military deployments in urban centres.

California

In Los Angeles, the epicentre of the unrest, ICE agents launched large-scale raids last Friday. The fallout was immediate: thousands of people took to the streets over the weekend, leading to clashes with law enforcement.

Tear gas and pepper spray were used to disperse crowds, and several arrests were made.

In Santa Ana, demonstrators gathered downtown on Monday following reports of morning raids. The situation rapidly deteriorated, with protesters throwing fireworks, rocks, and bottles.

Federal agents used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and the Guard was deployed. By Tuesday, cleanup crews were removing graffiti and broken glass from the city’s Civic Centre.

San Francisco saw similar scenes. Over 150 people were arrested after protesters clashed with authorities near a local ICE office on Sunday. Vehicles were damaged, buildings vandalised, and two police officers were injured.

On Tuesday, approximately 200 demonstrators rallied outside the city’s immigration court, calling for an end to federal enforcement actions.

Texas

In Austin, hundreds gathered on Monday between the state capitol and a federal building housing an ICE office.

The protest turned violent near the J.J. Pickle Federal Building, where police used tear gas and pepper spray after bottles and rocks were thrown at officers. Four officers were injured and 12 people were arrested.

In Dallas, a protest on a city bridge descended into chaos on Monday night. Police initially permitted the assembly but later declared it unlawful. Pepper spray and smoke were used to break up the crowd.

Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Guard to deploy to San Antonio on Tuesday, in anticipation of further planned protests. He warned on social media: “Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest."

New York

In New York City, thousands rallied in lower Manhattan on Tuesday. The NYPD said multiple arrests were made during the mostly peaceful protest near an immigration court.

Protesters called for “full rights for all immigrants" and demanded an end to military action in Los Angeles.

Washington, D.C.

Several unions held a large protest march past the Department of Justice on Monday, demanding the release of union leader David Huerta, who was detained during the Los Angeles raids.

He was released later that evening. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal joined the protests, expressing solidarity with immigrant workers.

Massachusetts

In Boston, residents gathered outside City Hall Plaza on Monday, demanding Huerta’s release. “An immigrant doesn’t stand between an American worker and a good job, a billionaire does," said union leader Chrissy Lynch.

Mayor Michelle Wu added, “Secret police do not make communities safer." The following day, hundreds marched to the Massachusetts State House in continued protest.

Illinois

In Chicago, thousands gathered near the city’s immigration court before marching through downtown on Tuesday evening.

The demonstration remained largely peaceful, according to local media.

Georgia

In Atlanta, protests became tense on Monday as fireworks were thrown at police. Tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators along the city’s Buford Highway.

At least six people were arrested.

Washington State

In Seattle, approximately 50 people demonstrated outside the immigration court on Tuesday. Protesters blocked building entrances using e-scooters and bikes.

“We’re here to show that we’re opposed to ICE in our community," said Mathieu Chabaud from the University of Washington.

Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, around 150 protesters rallied on Tuesday, disrupting traffic and prompting police action. At least 15 people were arrested. Authorities said force was used during some arrests and that these actions would be reviewed.

Los Angeles/Austin/New York/Washington D.C.

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