Mass Protests Across the US Against federal immigration, Thousands Rally in California
Houston, United States
Large protests were held across the United States on Friday against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Thousands of people joined marches and rallies as part of a nationwide protest called “ICE Out.” The demonstrations showed growing anger and fear over federal immigration actions.
One protester told local TV station KTLA, “I was born in Los Angeles. I’ve seen my neighbors and friends—people who helped build this city—being taken away. I can’t stay silent anymore.”
In Los Angeles, huge crowds filled the streets to oppose ICE raids and arrests. Many protesters spoke about families and communities being affected by strict immigration policies. The protests followed the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which activists say has led to violent ICE actions in several states, including California and Minnesota.
The US Against federal immigration
Organizers also asked people to skip work and school and avoid shopping for the day to show support for immigrants. Hundreds of high school students in Los Angeles walked out of classes to join the protests. Some businesses in Southern California closed their stores for a few hours to support the movement.
Tensions rose outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles, where some protesters threw trash and bottles at police. Officers responded by using pepper spray to control the crowd, according to reporters at the scene.
Several local leaders joined the protests. US Representative Brad Sherman and Los Angeles City Council member Bob Blumenfield criticized federal immigration policies. Sherman said he hopes the protests will push the government to rethink its approach, while Blumenfield said people were raising their voices “as loudly as possible across the country.”
Candlelight vigils were planned later in the evening to honor people who died during immigration-related incidents, including Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Protesters said these events were meant to call for an end to what they see as violent ICE actions.
Similar protests took place in other states. In Oregon, US military veterans gathered outside the Federal Building in Eugene. Members of Veterans for Peace said they were protesting peacefully against ICE raids.
“We are not violent. We are here to protest in peace,” said group spokesperson Pat Driscoll. “We won’t stay quiet when people are being harmed.”
Protesters across the country said they hope the nationwide rallies will force federal leaders to reduce the use of force in immigration enforcement and adopt more humane policies.
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