(LOS ANGELES) A wave of “Abolish ICE!” protests has swept the United States 🇺🇸 since early June, after large ICE raids in Los Angeles led to mass arrests and street clashes. The unrest, federal response, and political fallout are reshaping the immigration debate in real time.
Protesters say the raids went too far. Federal officials say they’re enforcing the law. The stakes for families, local police, and city life in Los Angeles are high—and still growing.
What happened in Los Angeles
On June 6, 2025, ICE carried out large-scale operations across Los Angeles, arresting 118 people suspected of being in the country without legal status. The ICE raids quickly sparked protests downtown and in nearby areas, including Paramount and Compton.
The Metropolitan Detention Center and stretches of Highway 101 became flashpoints. Crowds set barricades, and some people threw objects at officers. Several Waymo driverless taxis were set on fire.
Police declared parts of downtown an “unlawful assembly.” Officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear streets after sunset. Videos of arrests and damaged storefronts spread online, drawing more people to the streets.
The unrest mixed with peaceful rallies that called for an end to mass deportations, detentions, and home raids. Organizers branded nightly vigils under the banner “Abolish ICE!” — a slogan that returned prominently after first gaining popularity in 2018. Many protesters argued that immigration enforcement should focus on safety, not status.
Federal response
In the days after the raids, President Trump federalized the California National Guard, first sending 2,000 troops to Los Angeles and then doubling that number to 4,000 by June 9. The administration also activated 700 Marines for potential deployment.
Key points about the federal move:
– The Insurrection Act was not invoked, and Marines were not used for policing.
– The federalization was described as the most sweeping of its kind since 1965.
– California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the action, called it a political step, and filed a lawsuit to challenge the federalization.
The legal fight continues, with both state and federal authorities digging in.
Protests spread nationwide
The Los Angeles actions inspired solidarity marches across the country, including in:
– New York
– Chicago
– Dallas
– San Francisco
– Santa Ana
– Austin
– Houston
– San Antonio
– Washington D.C.
– Seattle
Some gatherings remained calm; others led to arrests. Authorities reported 150 arrests in San Francisco and 24 arrests at Trump Tower in New York during tense confrontations. By mid-year, these rallies had become a steady feature of the national news cycle.
Policy backdrop: Why now?
ICE was created in 2003. The “Abolish ICE” movement argues that the agency’s roles can be reassigned to other parts of government, as they were before 2003. Critics say ICE often targets people based on immigration status alone rather than criminal records, and that current tactics harm families and neighborhoods.
The immediate trigger was a policy shift in 2025. After his second inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump expanded immigration enforcement and authorized multiple federal agencies to assist with arrests under immigration law. Early 2025 saw mass deportations and sweeps in major cities, with over 500 people detained in January alone. Officials were also ordered to prepare Guantanamo Bay facilities for the possible arrival of tens of thousands of migrants.
Under Department of Homeland Security directives:
– Agencies such as the DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and FBI received Title 8 authority to support civil immigration enforcement.
– According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, more than 700 immigration-related demonstrations took place nationwide in early 2025, with over 97% remaining peaceful.
For official background on enforcement operations, see ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations page: https://www.ice.gov/ero.
Public opinion and politics
Public polling shows a notable shift in attitudes:
– Among Democrats, support for abolishing ICE rose from 33% in November 2024 to 58% by July 2025.
– Independents and Republicans also moved modestly in this direction.
– Overall support among registered voters climbed from 21% to 37% in the same period.
These numbers do not guarantee new laws, but they change the political map. The protests represent the strongest domestic pushback to immigration policy since President Trump began his second term. Lawmakers are watching both the streets and the polls.
Legal questions and the courts
The use of military forces in a civilian context has sparked heavy legal debate. Critics cite constitutional limits on federal power in local policing, while supporters argue the President can act in a crisis.
The lawsuit by Governor Newsom raises these questions in court. Additional challenges to enforcement tactics are moving forward, and observers expect possible Supreme Court involvement.
The core legal dispute centers on the balance between federal authority in emergencies and constitutional protections against militarized domestic policing.
For families and workers in Los Angeles
Daily life has been disrupted. Families fear arrests during commutes, school runs, or work shifts. Employers worry about sudden labor gaps. Community groups report rising stress, even in neighborhoods far from the protests.
Practical guidance for residents:
– Follow public safety updates from local agencies during demonstrations.
– Keep track of official policy notices from DHS and ICE.
– Connect with trusted community groups for support and information.
– Remember that most protests have been peaceful; plan travel routes accordingly.
How the protests shape the “Abolish ICE!” debate
“Abolish ICE!” has evolved from a slogan into a serious policy debate again. Legal scholars highlight the core question: can the United States run immigration rules without a dedicated immigration police force and without mass detention or deportation?
Proposals and positions:
– Some propose shifting duties back to other agencies and investing in community-based compliance, court support, and clear timelines for cases.
– Supporters argue this would reduce harm while keeping the system orderly.
– Opponents maintain that ending ICE would weaken the rule of law and could increase irregular migration.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor:
1. City streets — Los Angeles officials may adjust protest zones and safety rules as events continue.
2. Courts — The clash over federalization and enforcement could accelerate, with appeals and potential Supreme Court review.
3. Congress — Continued pressure may spawn bills to either trim ICE’s powers or reaffirm them. As of August 2025, no federal law has passed to abolish or restructure ICE.
4. Elections — The 2026 midterms may influence whether Congress pursues reform, maintains the status quo, or doubles down on enforcement.
The push and pull between public order and civil rights is not new in Los Angeles. What is new is the scale: thousands of troops, hundreds of arrests, and a chant that keeps echoing—“Abolish ICE!” For now, the city remains a focal point of a national argument over who gets to stay, who must leave, and how the law should be applied on the streets of a city still on edge.
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This Article in a Nutshell
A June 6, 2025 ICE sweep in Los Angeles arrested 118 people and ignited nationwide “Abolish ICE!” protests, federal troop deployment, legal fights, and renewed debate over immigration enforcement, public safety, and civil rights as communities face disruptions and courts weigh limits on militarized domestic responses.
