Protests first broke out in Los Angeles over immigration raids. Soon, they spread to cities across the U.S. As these demonstrations grew, President Donald Trump used new federal powers to intensify his crackdown.
Since the weekend, police in LA have arrested nearly 600 people. Protesters clashed with officers in several downtown locations. Therefore, Mayor Karen Bass extended a citywide curfew for a second night to “stop looting and vandalism.”
Curfew Reduces Violence, But Anger Remains
Although Tuesday night was calmer than earlier days due to the curfew, tensions remained high. The main conflict now involves local leaders resisting federal control. Governor Gavin Newsom strongly opposed Trump’s actions. He declared that “democracy is under assault right before our eyes,” adding, “this moment we have feared has arrived.”
Trump Deploys Troops, Uses Hobbs Act
Meanwhile, the federal government expanded its response. Trump approved sending 700 active-duty Marines and up to 4,000 National Guard troops to LA. Additionally, the National Guard began supporting immigration raids on the ground.
On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the administration would apply the Hobbs Act. She said this would let federal prosecutors “take over criminal cases” that are usually handled by California officials.
The White House defended the moves, claiming immigration agents were overwhelmed and needed backup to restore order.
Mayor Bass Pushes Back
Despite federal involvement, Mayor Bass insisted that “local law enforcement, including LAPD, has managed most arrests and crowd control.” She criticized the lack of communication from Washington and warned that “more militarization could inflame the situation.”
ICE raids will continue daily in LA for at least a month, local officials said. Agents have already targeted areas like the Fashion District and Home Depot parking lots, where many day laborers wait for work.
Calling the operation dangerous, Bass stated that “the Trump administration’s chaotic escalation here in Los Angeles is reckless.” She argued that “when you raid Home Depots and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you deploy troops to our streets, you’re not trying to keep anyone safe — you’re trying to cause fear and panic.”
Trump, Newsom Trade Blows Online
As protests continued, Trump praised his own response. He posted that “if our troops didn’t go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now,” and insisted that “the great people of Los Angeles are very lucky that I made the decision to go in and help!!!”
In response, Governor Newsom’s office released social media videos mocking Trump’s statements. One clip used an AI-generated voice that sounded like Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars, reading Trump’s words over footage of stormtroopers.
Other Cities Join the Fight
While unrest remained centered in LA’s downtown, areas like Hollywood and Beverly Hills stayed mostly peaceful. However, other cities began to rally.
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams made it clear the city would not allow “violence and lawlessness” like in LA. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD “won’t abdicate responsibility” to other agencies.
That night, around 2,000 people protested in Lower Manhattan. Many held signs reading “ICE out of NYC.” Some clashed with police. NYPD confirmed that 86 people were detained and 34 of them were charged.
Chicago, Milwaukee, and Texas React
Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Chicago’s business district on Tuesday night. Some protesters clashed with officers. At one point, a driver sped into the crowd and hit a person, Chicago Sun-Times reported. Police stopped marchers from reaching Trump Tower.
These protests followed increased ICE activity. On June 4, federal agents arrested at least 10 undocumented immigrants after asking them to show up for regular check-ins at ICE’s downtown office.
By Wednesday, CBS News reported that the federal government had sent tactical ICE units to Chicago. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief of staff, confirmed that “there will be tactical teams, mini-tanks, and other tools they plan to use for raids, as we saw in Los Angeles.”
In Milwaukee, large crowds waved both Mexican and U.S. flags during anti-ICE rallies.
Texas Plans Response to Protests
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also responded to the growing unrest. He said he would deploy the National Guard if needed to keep order during weekend protests in cities like Dallas and Austin.
More Protests Planned in LA
Back in LA, activists are circulating flyers on social media, urging people to join rallies downtown. Mayor Bass warned that “anyone in the downtown zone after 8 p.m., other than residents or office workers, will be arrested.” The curfew will run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Attorney General Bondi also gave a strong warning. She said, “if you loot the store, we are going to charge you with robbery under the Hobbs Act, and you’re looking at maximum 20 years in prison.”