Protests over President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies are gaining momentum across the United States, despite threats of further military intervention. Demonstrations erupted in multiple cities following a surge in federal immigration raids, with California emerging as the epicenter of legal and civil resistance.
In Los Angeles, over 1,000 demonstrators took to the streets on Wednesday for the sixth consecutive day, marching peacefully through the city. While a nighttime curfew remained in place after incidents of vandalism and looting earlier in the week, protest organizers emphasized the largely nonviolent nature of the gatherings.
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“Our city is not on fire, despite what our terrible leader claims,” said Lynn Sturgis, a 66-year-old retired schoolteacher protesting in downtown L.A. “Everything is calm and orderly here at Ground Zero.”
The protests were sparked by what many see as a sudden and aggressive escalation in immigration enforcement efforts. Reports of arrests by armed, masked agents and military-style operations have intensified public outcry.
In Spokane, Washington, police arrested more than 30 protesters overnight and used pepper balls to disperse crowds, according to Police Chief Kevin Hall. A curfew was also imposed in response to unrest.
President Trump, who campaigned on a platform of tough immigration control, has ordered the deployment of 4,700 National Guard troops to California, over the objection of Governor Gavin Newsom. Around 1,000 troops are currently assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in field operations, while others are undergoing crowd control training.
Trump defended the move during an appearance in Washington, stating, “We’re going to have a safe country. If I wasn’t here, Los Angeles would have burned to the ground.”
The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment will cost U.S. taxpayers an estimated $134 million.
Governor Newsom, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, condemned the move as a political stunt. “This is not about public safety,” he said. “It’s about provoking a crisis to serve political interests. Democracy is under assault right before our eyes.”
California’s legal team was set to appear in court Thursday to request an injunction blocking the use of military personnel in immigration raids. The Trump administration dismissed the lawsuit as a “crass political stunt.”
Meanwhile, demonstrations continue to grow in cities nationwide, including St. Louis, Manhattan, Indianapolis, Raleigh, Denver, and San Antonio, where Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also deployed the state’s National Guard.
Activists are planning a “No Kings” national protest on Saturday, the same day President Trump is expected to preside over a controversial military parade in Washington, D.C. The event, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, also coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Back in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass blamed the unrest on federal actions, stating, “A week ago, this city was peaceful. The chaos began with Friday’s immigration raids. This crisis was provoked by the White House.”
Despite arrests and a heavy security presence, protests show no signs of slowing.