Following the 2024 US election, the Trump administration has faced significant criticism for its response to protests against immigration raids. Over 600 people have been arrested in just three days. The government deployed troops and used excessive force, even without state authorization.
In Los Angeles, the epicenter of the demonstrations, 378 people were arrested, and a curfew was imposed by Mayor Karen Bass. An additional 190 arrests were made in other Californian cities, and 86 in New York City.
The protests began on June 7th after a mass ICE raid in downtown Los Angeles. The federal government responded by sending over 4,000 personnel, including the National Guard and Pentagon marines, without authorization.
On Tuesday, protests focused on City Hall and federal buildings. Law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and selective arrests, resulting in dozens of injuries. Mayor Bass justified the curfew by citing the presence of "violent actors."
In Lower Manhattan, 86 people were arrested in front of the ICE headquarters and Foley Square. Of these, 34 face serious charges, while 52 received court citations. Clashes with police were reported, with tear gas used against protesters near Chambers and Church streets.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that "arrests will continue" and that those who assault officials will face severe charges. President Trump defended the militarization, claiming it prevented Los Angeles from "burning down."
California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the intervention as illegal and immoral, accusing the president of "using chaos as a political tool." Newsom has filed an emergency lawsuit to halt the military deployment. The U.S. Constitution dictates that the National Guard can only act under local orders except in extreme scenarios like rebellions, which does not apply here.
The government's actions have not stopped the protests. Cities like Atlanta and Burlington have joined the demonstrations, with slogans like "Out with ICE" and "Stop the deportations." The repression is radicalizing the social protest in defense of migrant rights.