Key Takeaways
• Hundreds rallied in Des Moines June 10 supporting immigrants against June 6 ICE raids in Los Angeles.
• Trump administration deployed National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles amid protests and arrests.
• Iowa protests call to end ICE raids, abolish ICE, with legal challenges to military deployment pending.
Hundreds of Iowans Rally in Des Moines, Standing with Los Angeles Against ICE Raids
On June 10, 2025, hundreds of Iowans gathered at Cowles Commons in Des Moines to show support for immigrants and protest recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles 🇺🇸. This rally was part of a nationwide response to a new wave of federal immigration enforcement actions that have sparked days of protest, debate, and concern across the United States 🇺🇸. The events in Iowa and Los Angeles 🇺🇸 highlight deep divisions over immigration policy and the use of federal power in local communities.
What Sparked the Protests?
The immediate cause of the protests was a series of large-scale ICE raids in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 that began on Friday, June 6, 2025. Federal agents, acting on search warrants approved by a judge, targeted four businesses suspected of hiring undocumented immigrants and falsifying records. These actions were widely shared on social media, quickly drawing attention from immigrant rights groups and sparking protests in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 and other cities.
As the protests in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 grew, some became confrontational. Dozens of protesters were arrested on charges ranging from failure to disperse to more serious accusations like attempted murder with a Molotov cocktail and assault with a deadly weapon. The situation escalated further when President Trump ordered thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines into Los Angeles 🇺🇸, despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Des Moines Rally: Iowans Join the National Movement
In Iowa, the Des Moines rally on June 10 drew hundreds of people, joining a broader movement that has seen thousands protest across the Midwest and beyond. Local groups, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Iowa, organized the event to show solidarity with Los Angeles 🇺🇸 and to oppose ICE operations.
Speakers at the rally called for an end to aggressive immigration enforcement, the abolition of ICE, and comprehensive immigration reform. Many Iowans at the event shared personal stories about the fear and uncertainty facing immigrant families in their communities. The rally was peaceful, with participants holding signs, chanting, and listening to speeches from local leaders and activists.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these solidarity protests in Iowa are part of a long tradition of immigrant rights activism in the state. Previous events in Des Moines have drawn up to 7,000 people, and other cities like Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City have also hosted similar actions.
Federal Response: Zero Tolerance and Military Deployment
The Trump administration has reaffirmed its “zero tolerance” policy toward undocumented immigration, especially in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles 🇺🇸. Sanctuary cities are places where local officials limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented residents. President Trump has argued that strict enforcement is needed to uphold the law and protect public safety.
In response to the unrest in Los Angeles 🇺🇸, the White House cited “lawlessness” and violence against law enforcement as reasons for sending military personnel to support ICE operations. President Trump stated, “The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs.”
This move has been controversial. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass both objected to the deployment of troops, saying it undermines local control and increases fear in immigrant communities. Mayor Bass condemned the ICE raids, saying, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this.”
How ICE Raids Are Carried Out
ICE raids usually begin with federal agents executing search warrants at businesses or homes suspected of employing or harboring undocumented immigrants. These operations are often coordinated with federal judges and may involve several agencies, including local police, though many sanctuary cities try to limit this cooperation.
During a raid, agents may:
- Detain suspected undocumented immigrants
- Seize business records and documents
- Question employees and employers
- Arrest individuals for immigration violations or related crimes
The businesses targeted in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 now face possible federal prosecution and closure, which could have lasting effects on local workers and the economy.
Organizing Protests: How Iowans and Others Respond
Local advocacy groups often organize protests in response to news of ICE raids or other enforcement actions. In Iowa, groups like PSL Iowa and the American Friends Service Committee Iowa use social media to quickly spread the word and mobilize supporters. For large gatherings, organizers may obtain permits from the city, and legal observers are sometimes present to monitor police conduct and protect protesters’ rights.
Protesters in Des Moines and elsewhere have called for:
- An end to ICE raids and deportations
- The abolition of ICE as an agency
- Legal protections and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants
- Respect for local control over immigration enforcement
Many participants see these rallies as a way to support their neighbors and push for changes in national policy.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The escalation of federal enforcement in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles 🇺🇸 has caused fear and anxiety among immigrant communities. Many undocumented residents worry about being detained or deported, even if they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years and have strong ties to their communities.
This fear can lead to:
- Reluctance to report crimes or cooperate with local police
- Avoidance of public services, such as health care or schools
- Increased isolation and stress for families
Immigration experts warn that aggressive enforcement may drive undocumented residents further underground, making communities less safe overall. When people are afraid to contact authorities, it becomes harder to solve crimes and protect public safety.
Controversy Over Military Involvement
The use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement is rare and controversial. Civil liberties groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center, argue that this sets a dangerous precedent and may violate constitutional protections.
Local officials in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 and California have said that the presence of troops undermines trust between residents and law enforcement. They worry that it could lead to more confrontations and make it harder to keep communities safe.
Multiple Perspectives: Federal, Local, and Community Voices
The debate over ICE operations and federal enforcement brings out strong opinions from different groups:
- Federal Government: Officials say strict enforcement is needed to uphold immigration laws and protect the public. They argue that sanctuary cities make it harder to remove people who have broken the law.
- Local Officials and Advocates: Leaders in cities like Los Angeles 🇺🇸 and Des Moines say that aggressive federal actions harm immigrant communities and disrupt local efforts to build trust and keep people safe.
- Protesters and Immigrant Rights Groups: Many see ICE operations as unjust and call for the agency to be abolished. They want comprehensive immigration reform that provides legal status and protections for undocumented residents.
Historical Context: Iowa’s Role in Immigrant Rights
Iowa has a long history of activism on immigration issues. Large-scale protests have taken place in response to national policy changes and high-profile enforcement actions. For example, in 2018, thousands of Iowans protested family separations at the border and the detention of children.
The current wave of protests builds on this tradition. Iowans have shown that they are willing to stand up for their immigrant neighbors and demand changes in federal policy. The events in Des Moines are part of a larger movement that stretches across the Midwest and the entire country.
Legal and Policy Implications
The Trump administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement has increased tensions between federal and local governments. Sanctuary cities like Los Angeles 🇺🇸 have pushed back, saying they should have the right to set their own priorities and protect their residents.
No new federal laws have been passed in the past week, but the administration’s actions mark a significant escalation. Legal challenges are expected, especially regarding the use of military personnel for law enforcement. Civil liberties groups are preparing lawsuits, arguing that these actions may violate constitutional rights.
For businesses, the risk of federal prosecution for hiring undocumented workers has increased. Employers found to be breaking the law can face heavy fines, criminal charges, and even closure. This has ripple effects on local economies and workers, both documented and undocumented.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Supporters
If you or someone you know is concerned about ICE operations, here are some practical steps to consider:
- Know Your Rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸, regardless of immigration status, has certain rights. You do not have to open the door to ICE agents unless they have a signed warrant. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer.
- Stay Informed: Follow local news and trusted organizations for updates on enforcement actions and protests. The official ICE website provides information on policies and contact details.
- Connect with Local Groups: Organizations like PSL Iowa and the American Friends Service Committee Iowa offer support and resources for immigrants and their families.
- Legal Help: If you are detained or face deportation, contact a qualified immigration lawyer. Groups like the ACLU and the National Immigration Law Center can provide legal assistance or referrals.
For more information on your rights during an ICE encounter, you can visit the ACLU’s Know Your Rights page.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Iowa and the Nation?
Protests are expected to continue in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 and solidarity cities like Des Moines. Organizers have pledged ongoing resistance to ICE operations and federal intervention. The political debate over immigration enforcement is likely to grow even more heated as the 2026 midterm elections approach, with both sides mobilizing supporters.
Legal challenges to the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement are likely to play out in the courts over the coming months. The outcome could shape how federal and local governments handle immigration enforcement in the future.
For Iowans, the events of June 2025 are a reminder of the state’s important role in the national conversation about immigration. By standing with Los Angeles 🇺🇸 and other cities, Iowans are making their voices heard and pushing for a more just and humane approach to immigration policy.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Iowans have joined a national movement to protest ICE raids and support immigrant communities, with hundreds rallying in Des Moines and thousands more across the Midwest.
- The Trump administration’s zero tolerance policy and the deployment of military personnel in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 have sparked controversy and legal challenges.
- Immigrant communities face increased fear and uncertainty, with many avoiding public services and contact with authorities.
- Local and national organizations offer resources, legal help, and support for those affected by ICE operations.
- The debate over immigration enforcement is likely to intensify, with ongoing protests and legal battles shaping the future of U.S. immigration policy.
For the latest updates on immigration enforcement and community responses, visit the official ICE website and trusted local news sources. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the solidarity shown by Iowans and others across the country is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights and the importance of community action in shaping national policy.
Learn Today
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
Sanctuary cities → Cities limiting cooperation with federal immigration to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Zero tolerance policy → A government stance enforcing strict immigration law penalties without exceptions or leniency.
National Guard → State military forces that can be deployed for domestic emergencies or federal missions.
Search warrant → A legal document authorizing law enforcement to search a specified location for evidence.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 10, hundreds gathered in Des Moines protesting ICE raids in Los Angeles. The rally highlighted fears in immigrant communities and sparked debates on federal enforcement and local resistance, reflecting growing national tensions over immigration policies and the controversial military involvement in domestic immigration operations.
— By VisaVerge.com
