United States: Protests Against Trump’s Immigration Policy Spread Nationwide Amid Curfews, Military Deployment, and Growing Unrest

Demonstrations against Donald Trump’s immigration policy, which began in Los Angeles on June 6, 2025, have quickly spread to major cities across the country. Sparked by a wave of migrant arrests carried out by federal immigration agents (ICE), the movement has led to intense clashes, particularly in California.

Violent Clashes in Los Angeles Met With Heavy-Handed Response

In response to escalating violence and looting in downtown Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency and imposed a citywide curfew. The Democratic mayor announced the measure on Tuesday, June 10, enforcing it from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. Despite the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops, unrest persisted throughout the city.

Protesters—men, women, seniors, and youth—gathered outside detention centers, immigration courts, and federal buildings. Several incidents saw projectiles thrown at federal officers, while some demonstrators targeted self-driving Waymo vehicles, citing concerns over mass surveillance.

Clashes intensified as tear gas was fired by security forces, and fireworks were launched at federal vehicles. On June 8, confrontations escalated further, with protesters in Los Angeles throwing objects at police officers. The following day, crowds rallied again outside federal facilities, prompting yet another deployment of the National Guard.

Nationwide Movement Gains Momentum Across Major Cities

The protests quickly spread beyond California. In cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and Atlanta, thousands took to the streets in coordinated demonstrations under the banner “No Kings.” While many rallies remained peaceful, several incidents of unrest and arrests were reported.

In Manhattan, thousands gathered in Foley Square to protest outside government buildings housing immigration enforcement offices and federal courts. At least 45 people were arrested, according to CNN. In Austin, four officers were injured in clashes near an ICE office, and police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Twelve protesters were arrested. Similar scenes played out in Dallas, where “hundreds” gathered, prompting police intervention.

Seattle saw demonstrators erect barricades from bicycles and scooters outside the city’s immigration court. In San Francisco, thousands marched through Market Street, where police made numerous arrests and deployed tear gas.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to the growing unrest by ordering the statewide deployment of the Texas National Guard, warning that “all tools and strategies” would be used to support law enforcement. “Peaceful protest is legal. Assault or property damage is not and will result in arrest,” he warned.

Meanwhile, a website set up by protest organizers has logged nearly 1,800 demonstrations nationwide, many scheduled for Saturday, June 14—the day Donald Trump plans to hold a military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and his 79th birthday.

Despite the large-scale crackdown, protesters remain resolute in their demands: an end to deportations and the release of detained migrants.