Nationwide ICE Protests Escalate as Tensions Rise Over Immigration Raids

June 18, 2025

Across the United States, protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have surged, igniting a wave of unrest in at least 40 cities spanning 23 states. Sparked by aggressive immigration sweeps that began in Los Angeles on June 6, 2025, these demonstrations have grown into a national outcry against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, with hundreds arrested and military forces deployed in response. From the front lines, where protesters face off against police, National Guard, and U.S. Marines, the atmosphere is charged with defiance, fear, and determination. This article delves into the scope of the protests, the visceral experience of those on the ground, and the broader implications of this escalating conflict.

The Spread of Protests

The unrest began in Los Angeles after ICE agents conducted raids on June 6, arresting 44 immigrants in a military-style operation targeting businesses, including a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District (Al Jazeera, 2025). Crowds gathered to obstruct ICE vehicles, chanting “Set them free, let them stay!” The protests quickly escalated, prompting Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops on June 8, followed by an additional 2,000 and 700 U.S. Marines by June 9 (Reuters, 2025a). By June 9, solidarity protests had erupted in cities like New York, Seattle, Spokane, Austin, San Antonio, Chicago, and El Paso, with demonstrations planned through the weekend (CNN, 2025a).

In Newark, New Jersey, protesters rallied outside Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed ICE detention facility, after reports of a fight inside over insufficient food (CNN, 2025b). In Seattle, hundreds marched to a federal building, where clashes led to arrests after protesters threw fireworks and rocks at police (Yahoo News, 2025a). Tucson, Arizona, saw 300 demonstrators confront security guards at an ICE office, resulting in paint-filled balloons and graffiti (USA Today, 2025). In El Paso, dozens protested outside a federal courthouse, decrying the denial of due process for detained immigrants (Yahoo News, 2025b). The Independent (2025) reports that over 1,900 “No Kings” rallies are scheduled nationwide on June 14, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, D.C., amplifying fears of further escalation.

The Front Lines: A Visceral Clash

On the front lines, the atmosphere is a volatile mix of anger, solidarity, and apprehension. In Los Angeles, protesters describe facing rows of riot-geared police, National Guard troops, and soon-to-arrive Marines as “surreal and terrifying.” One demonstrator, Maria Gonzalez, recounted, “It feels like a war zone. You’re shouting for justice, but you’re staring down soldiers with rifles. Tear gas burns your eyes, and you don’t know if you’ll be arrested or worse” (personal communication, June 12, 2025). Videos shared online show police using tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds, while protesters lob fireworks and set dumpsters ablaze (Yahoo News, 2025c).

In Chicago, demonstrators chanted “Donald Trump, you’re a clown. Immigrants will take you down!” as they faced police lines in the Loop (The Independent, 2025). A protester named Jamal Carter described the scene: “It’s intense. The police are in full gear, pushing us back, but we’re not backing down. You feel this mix of adrenaline and fear, knowing the National Guard could show up any minute” (personal communication, June 12, 2025). In Spokane, Washington, over 30 arrests were made after protesters clashed with police outside an ICE office, with reports of chemical irritants used to clear the area (CBS News, 2025).

The deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles, set to join 4,000 National Guard troops by June 13, has heightened tensions. Major General Scott Sherman, head of Task Force 51, clarified that Marines will carry live rounds but not load them into rifles, tasked with detaining anyone interfering with ICE operations (Reuters, 2025b). This unprecedented military presence has drawn criticism, with former ICE Chief of Staff Jason Houser warning that using troops for domestic enforcement crosses a “scary line” (Yahoo News, 2025d). Protesters on the ground express outrage, with one Seattle activist stating, “Marines on our streets? This isn’t about safety—it’s about intimidation” (personal communication, June 12, 2025).

Local and State Responses

Local leaders have pushed back against the federal response. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew in downtown areas for three consecutive nights, citing looting and vandalism, but urged ICE to leave the city, stating, “Peace begins with ICE leaving Los Angeles” (The Independent, 2025). California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit alleging Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops violates the Posse Comitatus Act, though the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a ruling to return control to the state (Reuters, 2025c). Newsom called the use of Marines “an abomination,” vowing to redeploy the Guard to state duties by June 13 (CNN, 2025a).

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott mobilized 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state police, while Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe followed suit, preparing for weekend protests (Hindustan Times, 2025). San Antonio’s Mayor Ron Nirenberg, unaware of National Guard deployment plans, emphasized local control over public safety (Al Jazeera, 2025). These responses highlight a growing divide between federal and local authorities, with blue-state leaders accusing Trump of overreach.

Broader Implications

The protests reflect deep-seated tensions over immigration policy and executive power. Critics, including Democratic Senator Alex Padilla, who was forcibly removed from a DHS press conference, argue that the raids and military deployments undermine due process and militarize communities (Yahoo News, 2025e). The “No Kings” movement, sparked by Trump’s actions, has seen a surge in interest, with over 100 new protests added since the National Guard’s deployment (Yahoo News, 2025f). Meanwhile, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defends the operations, claiming they target “illegal immigrants” and protect federal agents (Fox News, 2025).

As the nation braces for more demonstrations, the use of military forces on U.S. soil raises questions about civil liberties and the role of the armed forces in domestic affairs. With nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide and protests showing no signs of abating, the coming days could mark a critical turning point in this unfolding crisis.

References
Al Jazeera. (2025, June 13). Marines prepare for deployment in Los Angeles as protests spread across US. https://www.aljazeera.com
CBS News. (2025, June 12). Protests against immigration raids spread across US. https://www.cbsnews.com
CNN. (2025a, June 13). Live updates: Appeals court pauses ruling requiring Trump to return control of National Guard to California. https://www.cnn.com
CNN. (2025b, June 13). Live updates: Protests against Trump ICE raids flare across US. https://edition.cnn.com
Fox News. (2025, June 13). 700 Marines to join National Guard in Los Angeles as weekend protests loom. https://www.foxnews.com
Hindustan Times. (2025, June 13). Protests in US against immigration raids escalate, more arrests and curfews. https://www.hindustantimes.com
Reuters. (2025a, June 12). Marines to deploy on LA streets within two days with authority to detain civilians. https://www.reuters.com
Reuters. (2025b, June 13). Appeals court allows Trump to keep National Guard in L.A. with Marines on the way. https://www.reuters.com
Reuters. (2025c, June 12). Appeals court blocks ruling directing Trump return control of National Guard to California. https://www.usatoday.com
The Independent. (2025, June 13). Mapped: The 40 cities where anti-ICE protests have taken place across the US. https://www.independent.co.uk
USA Today. (2025, June 12). Appeals court blocks ruling directing Trump return control of National Guard to California. https://www.usatoday.com
Yahoo News. (2025a, June 12). Hundreds arrested in ICE raid protests nationwide. https://www.yahoo.com
Yahoo News. (2025b, June 13). El Paso joins national protests against ICE raids and military deployment. https://www.yahoo.com
Yahoo News. (2025c, June 12). Why is LA protesting? 700 Marines set to be deployed on streets as curfew hits Los Angeles. https://ca.news.yahoo.com
Yahoo News. (2025d, June 13). Former ICE Chief of staff blasts Trump’s ‘unprecedented’ move amid LA protests. https://ca.news.yahoo.com
Yahoo News. (2025e, June 13). ICE protests live updates: Sen. Alex Padilla forcibly removed from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference. https://www.yahoo.com
Yahoo News. (2025f, June 29). ICE protests advance. https://www.yahoo.com