Protesters have taken to the streets across the United States, marching against federal immigration enforcement raids and President Donald Trump’s plans to mobilize the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles. The demonstrations, which started peacefully but sometimes turned violent, have been held in cities including Seattle, New York City, San Antonio, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, and Spokane.
While some protesters clashed with police and were arrested, many others chanted slogans and carried signs criticizing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). The Trump administration has vowed to continue immigration raids and deportations despite the protests.
The protests are part of a larger movement against what activists see as harsh immigration policies. Saturday’s planned “No Kings” events across the country coincide with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C.
“We want to maintain everyone’s right to protest peacefully, but we will not tolerate chaos and disorder or violence,” said New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The city police department reported detaining over 80 protesters during a demonstration in lower Manhattan’s Foley Square on Tuesday evening.
In Texas, Republican Governor Greg Abbott has deployed the National Guard to ensure “peace and order” amid reports of violent clashes between protesters and police. However, some officials have questioned the governor’s decision to deploy troops without transparency.
As protests continue nationwide, activists are calling for an end to what they see as cruel and inhumane immigration policies. The demonstrations highlight the ongoing tensions between those who support stricter immigration laws and those fighting to protect migrant rights.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protests-arrests-austin-aa726c826047f8d7eb4091acc8929b8e