Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Trump’s Immigration Raids, Military Deployment

Protests against former President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown expanded across the United States on Wednesday, as tensions escalated between the White House and state leaders over the controversial use of military personnel.

For the sixth consecutive day, over 1,000 demonstrators marched peacefully through Los Angeles, voicing opposition to recent immigration raids and the deployment of federal troops. While protests remained calm by day, the city braced for a second night of curfew following episodes of vandalism and looting.

“This city is not burning down like our terrible leader is trying to tell you,” said Lynn Sturgis, a 66-year-old retired teacher, speaking from the protest zone. “We’re peaceful. We’re standing up for what’s right.”

The demonstrations erupted in response to a surge in arrests of undocumented immigrants, many carried out by armed, masked men with little identification. Reports emerged of aggressive tactics, including an incident in Boyle Heights where federal agents were seen ramming a vehicle and deploying smoke devices during an arrest.

Trump, who last year returned to the White House on a hardline immigration platform, ordered the deployment of 4,700 military personnel to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations—1,000 of whom are already active across California. The Pentagon said the mission would cost $134 million.

Despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump insisted the move was necessary to preserve order. “We’re going to have a safe country,” he said. “Los Angeles would have burned to the ground if I wasn’t involved.”

Newsom has filed for a court order to block troops from participating in civilian immigration enforcement, calling the militarization of cities an unconstitutional political ploy. “Democracy is under assault,” Newsom warned. “California may be first, but it won’t end here.”

Protests have spread to other cities including Manhattan, St. Louis, Denver, Raleigh, and Indianapolis. In San Antonio, hundreds rallied near city hall after Texas Governor Greg Abbott also deployed National Guard units.

A nationwide demonstration dubbed the “No Kings” march is planned for Saturday in Washington, D.C., to coincide with the Army’s 250th anniversary—and Trump’s 79th birthday. The day will feature a military parade with tanks and warplanes, fueling criticism that the administration is blurring lines between governance and authoritarian display.

Meanwhile, local officials and clergy reported disturbing encounters. In Downey, a pastor witnessed armed men seize a Spanish-speaking man in her church’s parking lot. When she demanded identification, she said, they pointed rifles at her and told her to back away.

“This was provoked by the White House,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “A week ago, there was peace. The raids caused this turmoil.”

Despite Trump’s portrayal of the protests as a threat to national security, demonstrators nationwide say they remain committed to peaceful resistance—and determined to defend the rights of immigrants across the country.