Protests over immigration raids erupt across America
Protests that began in Los Angeles over immigration raids and prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to mobilize the National Guard and Marines have started spreading across the United States, with more planned for the weekend.
From Seattle to Austin and the capital Washington, demonstrators chanted slogans and carried signs against the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, blocking traffic on central streets and in front of federal offices.
Although many protests were peaceful, some saw clashes with police, who arrested demonstrators and used tear gas in certain areas to disperse the crowd.
Activists are planning more demonstrations and larger protests in the coming days, with events titled “No Kings” scheduled nationwide on Saturday to coincide with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington.
The Trump administration has stated it will continue the program of raids and deportations despite the protests. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said today on social media that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency will continue to enforce the law.
In areas where unrest has broken out, officials said that while peaceful protests are acceptable, violent behavior will not be tolerated.
