I.C.E. Protests in LA and Chicago (6,10,25)

What is happening?

Major protests and clashes have erupted in Los Angeles starting June 6, 2025, after ICE conducted immigration raids at several locations throughout the city to arrest people for alleged immigration violations. The situation escalated quickly when protesters clashed with both the Los Angeles Police Department and ICE agents, leading to violent confrontations. On June 7, the conflicts spread to Paramount and Compton during additional raids, prompting President Trump to take the dramatic step of federalizing the California National Guard and deploying 2,100 troops to Los Angeles. The Pentagon then activated 700 Marines on June 9 to join the federal response, while authorities declared an unlawful assembly on June 8.

The military deployment has sparked intense political controversy, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and other critics calling Trump's response premature, inflammatory, and authoritarian. This confrontation stems from Los Angeles declaring itself a sanctuary city in November 2024 after Trump's election victory, essentially refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Trump officials had previously warned that sanctuary cities would be prime targets for immigration crackdowns, and the administration began implementing workplace deportation raids in May 2025.

Why are the protests occurring?

The protests are driven by how the deportations are being carried out. Critics and protesters have raised concerns about constitutional due process rights, arguing that people are being detained and potentially deported without adequate legal hearings or representation. In one documented case, Juan Fernando, a migrant worker, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at his job at a clothing factory and transported back to the country he had left behind in less than 48 hours, illustrating the rapid pace of some deportations that has alarmed advocates. Additionally, federal agents are arresting migrants at immigration courts in some cases after their deportation cases have been dismissed, which has raised additional concerns about whether proper legal procedures are being followed in the enforcement actions. These rapid deportations and court arrests have intensified concerns about due process violations.

• The Washington Post - "ICE protests in L.A. and Trump's National Guard order, explained" (referenced for Juan Fernando case)

• Democracy Now! - "L.A. Under Siege: Trump Sends in National Guard as Protests Continue over Militarized ICE Raids" (referenced for immigration court arrests)