Widespread Backlash in LA as Cities Rally Against Trump Immigration Raids
As Trump intensifies the crackdown on Anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, protests have erupted in New York and San Francisco, two of the largest cities in the United States, resulting in ensuing clashes and violence.
Tensions escalated as clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators intensified in Los Angeles, marking the third day of National Guard deployment initiated by Trump in response to anti-ICE protests.
Reports indicate that the National Guard, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), have shut down the city’s critical Highway 101, commonly referred to as the Santa Ana Freeway, effectively barring any vehicles from accessing the thoroughfare.
In reaction, the demonstrators have been hurling incendiary objects at law enforcement officers and igniting vehicles.
The operations commenced openly on Friday in a city with a significant Latino community.
Critics argue that Trump was intentionally heightening tensions by deploying California’s National Guard, a reserve military force typically under the authority of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Raids Not Seen as Effective Immigration Solution
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has sharply criticized the Trump administration for its immigration raids in Los Angeles, asserting that these operations and violence are not the solution to the immigration issue.
Sheinbaum, who has sought to foster a positive relationship with Trump, expressed disagreement with this approach to addressing the immigration issue during a public event.
“The issue will not be resolved through raids or violence; instead, it requires sitting down and developing comprehensive reform,” she stated.
A substantial proportion of immigrants residing in Los Angeles hail from Mexico, and numerous demonstrators have been prominently displaying the Mexican flag throughout the ongoing protests.
Stephen Miller, who serves as the deputy chief of staff to Trump, has vehemently criticized the protests, labeling them as an “insurrection.” He further suggested that Los Angeles had essentially been overrun as demonstrators waved foreign flags.
A user on X commented, “Observe the numerous foreign flags. Los Angeles is now considered occupied territory.”
**”Trump’s Behavior Resembles That of an Authoritarian Leader”**
In a statement made on X, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s recent activities, accusing him of instigating violence, fostering mass chaos, militarizing cities, and arresting opponents. Newsom characterized these actions as those typical of a dictator rather than a leader.
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are gaining momentum across the United States, with San Francisco becoming the latest city to witness clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators.
In San Francisco, what commenced as a tranquil demonstration Sunday evening—intended to show solidarity with the immigration protests in Los Angeles—swiftly escalated into violence as confrontations erupted between protesters and police officers.
Demonstrators launched eggs towards the officers, while others tossed glass bottles that shattered on the ground just behind them.
Protesters were heard chanting, “Why are you in riot gear? We don’t see a riot here,” as they expressed their displeasure with the heavy police presence.
Tensions escalated in New York City starting Sunday, as demonstrators confronted NYPD officers outside Federal Plaza during a protest against U.S. immigration policies.
The demonstration has extended beyond a day, leading to at least 20 arrests as clashes between law enforcement and protesters have spread to surrounding streets.
In a dramatic turn of events, demonstrators formed a human chain in an attempt to impede the departure of a white van, believed to be carrying detained refugees.
A protester declared, “We will not remain passive as our neighbors are removed,” reflecting the movement’s rallying cry.
The city of Glendale announced on Monday that it has terminated its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain federal immigration detainees at its municipal detention facility. In a statement, the city attributed the decision to a thorough assessment conducted by its city manager.
The city acknowledged that the perception surrounding the ICE contract has become a source of division, regardless of its scope, management, or potential benefits.
Glendale, located approximately 9 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, boasts a population of 188,000, with half of its residents hailing from foreign countries.
