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Protests Against ICE Across the United States

The protests against ICE raids are rapidly spreading across the United States. With California as the epicenter of this wave, cities like New York, Austin, Atlanta, and Boston are already experiencing large-scale demonstrations. The immigration operations have led to the detention of hundreds of people, while social tensions and safety concerns continue to rise.
June 13, 2025 by
Protests Against ICE Across the United States
Jacob Tingen

On June 6, 2025, in Los Angeles, ICE conducted raids in several neighborhoods across the county, targeting highly frequented areas such as the Fashion District, Home Depot, and various wholesale clothing markets. Around a hundred people were arrested during the operation. The intervention in areas designated as "sanctuary" zones for immigrants pushed migration tensions to a breaking point. The community’s response was swift: massive protests quickly erupted in the city center, reflecting growing frustration and discontent with federal immigration policies.

Although the protests in Los Angeles initially started peacefully, the growing crowds soon clashed with the police, and the situation escalated into violence. Amid tear gas and a series of arrests, the Federal Government took an unprecedented step by ordering the deployment of the United States National Guard, further intensifying the already volatile climate. As a result, the protests are no longer confined to California; they are now spreading across multiple cities nationwide, reflecting the growing national unrest over immigration policies and ICE raids.

What Are Other U.S. Authorities Saying About ICE Raids?

Following the events of that same Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass publicly expressed her indignation and deep sadness over the actions of federal immigration agents operating within designated sanctuary areas. In her statement, Bass not only condemned the raids but also emphasized the negative impact these decisions have on the safety and emotional stability of thousands of immigrant families who are an essential part of the city’s social fabric. She reaffirmed her commitment to support Los Angeles’ undocumented communities, stating that “no one should live in fear simply for seeking a better life.”

Joining this rejection, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, described the Trump administration’s interventions as "an unconstitutional and deeply provocative step," warning that such actions violate the state’s sovereignty. Newsom immediately announced the filing of a legal lawsuit against the federal government for the unilateral deployment of the National Guard without the consent or coordination of the state of California.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta went even further, calling these measures a clear abuse of authority. Bonta emphasized that sending troops without legal authorization not only violates the principles of state autonomy but also creates unnecessary risk, further fueling fear and division within the affected communities.

However, far from calming the situation, the conflict escalated even further on Monday, June 9, when the federal government announced a new military deployment: approximately 700 Marines were transferred from Twentynine Palms to the Los Angeles metropolitan area to provide logistical support to the National Guard in controlling the protests. Although legally the Marines are prohibited from exercising civilian law enforcement functions —except under very specific exceptions such as the invocation of the Insurrection Act— the U.S. military confirmed their operational presence in the county, raising further alarm among human rights advocates and community leaders.

All these actions once again demonstrate the federal government’s disregard for sanctuary policies that began to take shape in the 1980s as an effort to protect the most vulnerable immigrants. Despite Los Angeles being the second largest city in the country and having formalized its sanctuary status through a municipal ordinance that prohibits the use of local resources to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, the city has now become a direct target of Trump’s immigration strategy. For thousands of Hispanic families, these operations represent not only a legal threat but a direct attack on their dignity, their rights, and their aspiration to build a safe home in the United States.

The video shows an ongoing HSI / ICE operation taking place in downtown Los Angeles. The building’s doors have been locked while several employees remain held inside the premises located at 940 Towne Avenue. The scene captures the heavy presence of federal agents as the raids unfold.

Other Protests in The U.S

As this new phase of ICE raids unfolds —affecting not only the immigrant community directly but also raising serious challenges to public order and national debate— several major cities have begun joining the growing wave of protests. What initially started as a movement focused in Los Angeles quickly expanded into a series of demonstrations across multiple regions of the country.

On Saturday afternoon, in New York City, approximately 100 people gathered at Federal Plaza to show solidarity with affected immigrants. While the protest began peacefully, tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked the path of a white van attempting to leave a nearby building, allegedly linked to federal operations. The situation quickly spiraled into direct clashes between protesters and law enforcement.

Various videos circulating on social media captured the most tense moments, showing police using pepper spray, physical force, and dispersal tactics to regain control. As a result of these confrontations, at least 22 people were arrested and several protesters were injured, further intensifying concerns over the repression of peaceful protests in an already highly sensitive context.

In response to these incidents, New York City Mayor Eric Adams —a Democrat seen as one of Trump’s key allies on security matters— delivered a firm statement. Adams warned that he would not tolerate acts of civil disobedience leading to violence within the city, and labeled the recent clashes in Los Angeles as "absolutely unacceptable," thus aligning himself with the federal government’s hardline stance against the protests.

Beyond New York and California, the outrage has spread to numerous other states. In Illinois, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, and several other territories, mass protests have taken place in recent days. To date, civil rights organizations report confirmed protests in at least 24 cities across the United States, reflecting the widespread discontent that is sweeping much of the country.

Far from subsiding, this movement appears to be only gaining momentum. Various activist groups have called for new nationwide protests scheduled for next Saturday, symbolically coinciding with President Trump’s birthday. These upcoming demonstrations are expected to draw thousands of participants, once again heightening social tensions in a situation that is increasingly concerning to both local authorities and international observers.

The Impact on the Latino Community

In addition to demanding an end to the raids and respect for sanctuary cities, protesters have announced new mobilizations in support of labor union leaders and civil rights advocates who have been detained during the demonstrations — all amid the prevailing climate of fear and uncertainty sweeping the country. Even families with legal immigration status or pending applications have chosen to limit their outings, afraid of being arbitrarily detained during ongoing operations.

Civil rights organizations report an increase in emergency calls from individuals who, despite holding legal status, fear becoming victims of racial profiling or unjustified detentions. At the same time, school absences have risen, and an increasing number of patients are canceling medical appointments out of fear of being intercepted at random checkpoints.

On an emotional level, the impact is equally severe: anxiety, post-traumatic stress, growing distrust, and disruptions to daily life now affect even cities that were once considered safe spaces for immigrants. These are just some of the many consequences generated by the Trump administration's actions.

How Can an ICE Immigration Lawyer from Tingen Law Help You?

In the midst of this situation, having reliable legal guidance has never been more critical. At Tingen Law, we stay constantly updated on every new development within the Trump administration to provide timely, effective assistance in facing the challenges confronting the Hispanic community amid these raids and evolving immigration policies.

Our team of immigration attorneys in Virginia, backed by more than 10 years of experience, is fully prepared to assess your current immigration situation, analyze potential risks you may face, and design a personalized action plan. Additionally, if you are already involved in a removal proceeding, we can assist you with deportation defense, cancellation of removal applications, and motions to reopen existing cases.

As previously mentioned, asylum claims, TPS requests, pardons, and other forms of immigration relief remain highly sensitive areas that require ongoing legal monitoring and expert handling.

Know your rights when facing detentions, raids, or ICE visits with the guidance of a qualified legal team. We understand that behind every case and every person, there is a family, dreams, and years of sacrifice that deserve protection.

In difficult times like these, you don’t have to face this alone. If you or a loved one needs legal assistance, contact us today. We are here to support you before the emergency strikes.

Protect Your Family: Schedule Your Consultation Today

What Should Immigrants Know Right Now?

Amid this climate of tension and uncertainty, it is essential that you know your rights and are prepared for any eventuality. Here are some key points that everyone should keep in mind:

  1. You Have Rights, Regardless of Your Immigration Status

  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • You can refuse entry to your home unless agents present a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge.
  • You are not obligated to sign any documents without first reviewing them with an ICE Immigration Lawyer.

2. Prepare an Emergency Family Plan

It’s important to have a clear emergency plan in place in case you or a loved one are detained. Make sure to gather and store all important documents — such as birth certificates, passports, immigration paperwork, and medical records — in a safe and easily accessible location. Identify trusted individuals who can care for your children if necessary, and ensure they have legal authorization if required. Also, write down and memorize essential contact numbers, including those of your family members, trusted friends, and your immigration attorney, so you can access them quickly in an emergency.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Risks and Stay Informed

It is important to stay informed about the areas where protests are taking place to minimize the risk of accidental detentions. You can subscribe to our Newsletter, where we share relevant updates on the immigration climate in the United States.

4. Seek Legal Assistance As Soon As Possible

If you have a pending case, questions about your status, or any concerns, it is crucial to consult with one of our immigration attorneys as soon as possible. We will analyze your situation and help you determine the best legal options available.

Conclusion

In today’s rapidly shifting immigration landscape, changes are happening at an unprecedented pace. The recent protests, widespread ICE raids across the United States, and new laws under debate have placed the lives of millions of immigrants, who work every day to build a safe future in this country, at the center of national debate.

While the current situation may create fear and uncertainty, it is precisely in moments like these when information, unity, and access to reliable legal counsel become essential tools for your safety and protection.

At Tingen Law, our priority is to keep you informed and stand by your side, offering personalized legal guidance tailored to your case. This is not the time to postpone important decisions — contact us as soon as possible to assess your situation and help you protect your rights and your family’s future.