Key Takeaways
• On June 10, 2025, Jacksonville held a protest supporting LA immigrants against aggressive ICE raids.
• 44 unauthorized immigrants were arrested in LA; protests and increased National Guard troops followed.
• Florida proposes the REMOVE Act to speed deportations to fifteen days after proceedings begin.
On June 10, 2025, a large group of people gathered outside the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Their goal was clear: to show support for protesters in Los Angeles who are calling for an end to immigration raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This Jacksonville demonstration is just one part of a much bigger national response to recent immigration enforcement actions that have led to protests and unrest in Los Angeles and other cities across the United States 🇺🇸.
Why Did People Gather in Jacksonville?
The Jacksonville demonstration was organized by local groups, including the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance and 50501 Veterans. These organizations wanted to make sure that the voices of immigrants and their supporters were heard, especially as news spread about aggressive ICE actions in Los Angeles.
Jamison Collin-Morita, speaking for the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, explained why it was so important to be visible: “I think that it’s really important that when people are scared like this and they feel like they can’t come out to these protests, they feel like they can’t be visible—so we have to be visible for them.” This statement highlights the fear many immigrants feel when ICE steps up enforcement, and why allies feel the need to stand up publicly.
Many protesters in Jacksonville focused on the idea of due process. Due process is a basic right in the U.S. Constitution that says everyone should get a fair hearing before being punished or deported. Katie Chorbak from 50501 Veterans said, “We are calling for due process. That’s a guaranteed freedom in the Constitution, and that is not happening. It’s being usurped. With ICE raids, a lot of people are being deported to a foreign country without due process. So we need to stop the ICE raids.”
What’s Happening in Los Angeles?
The Jacksonville demonstration was a direct response to recent events in Los Angeles. Over the weekend, federal agents from several agencies—including Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—carried out search warrants in several neighborhoods, including the Westlake District, downtown, and South LA.
During these operations, ICE officials confirmed that 44 unauthorized immigrants were arrested at one site. Videos of these actions quickly spread on social media, showing agents detaining people and crowds gathering to try to stop the arrests. These videos led to even more people coming out to protest, especially outside the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles, where many believed detainees were being held.
The protests in Los Angeles have been large and passionate, with people demanding an end to what they see as unfair and aggressive immigration enforcement. Many protesters say that these raids are tearing families apart and creating fear in immigrant communities.
Federal and State Response: Troops and Tension
In response to the growing protests and unrest, President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 additional National Guard members to Los Angeles. This was on top of the 2,100 Guard troops already sent on June 8, 2025. On June 9, another 700 Marines were deployed to help manage the situation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized these moves, calling them “reckless” and “disrespectful to our troops.” The presence of military personnel in city streets has raised concerns about the use of force and the message it sends to both immigrants and the wider public.
Arrests and Civil Unrest in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that 31 people were arrested over the weekend. The charges included:
- Failure to disperse (not leaving when ordered by police)
- Assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer
- Looting
- Arson
Five police officers were injured during the protests. Three were treated at the scene, and two had minor injuries. Both the LAPD and the LA County Sheriff’s Department declared the gatherings unlawful and ordered people to leave.
These events show how quickly peaceful protests can turn into tense situations, especially when emotions are running high and there is a heavy police or military presence.
Impact on Schools and Local Communities
The effects of these enforcement actions have reached beyond the streets and into schools. Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho reported two incidents where federal vans were seen just a few blocks from school campuses. While agents did not try to enter the schools, the district saw these actions as attempts to intimidate students and families.
Superintendent Carvalho said the district remains committed to keeping students and schools safe. Many families are now worried about sending their children to school, fearing that ICE agents might show up nearby.
Jacksonville’s Next Steps: Protesting Local Legislation
The Jacksonville demonstration was not just about showing support for Los Angeles. Protesters in Jacksonville also have local concerns. They announced plans to return on June 10, 2025, to protest a proposed ordinance before the Jacksonville City Council.
This ordinance would:
- Block any city money from going to undocumented migrants
- Require the city to track how local, state, and federal funds are used, especially for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and services for undocumented immigrants
The Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance is organizing a protest at 3:30 p.m. on June 10, with clear demands:
- Full rejection of Ordinance 2025-0138
- An end to arrests and repression of peaceful protesters
They will also hold a news conference called “Stop the Trump Stunts — Don’t Repress the People” to respond to what they see as Florida’s harsh crackdown on illegal immigration.
Florida’s Legislative Push: The REMOVE Act
Florida Senator Ashley Moody and other Republicans are pushing for new laws that would make it easier and faster to remove undocumented immigrants from the United States 🇺🇸. The proposed REMOVE Act would require that removal proceedings (the legal process to deport someone) be finished within fifteen days after they start.
Senator Moody argues that this law is needed to quickly remove people who have already been ordered to leave the country. Supporters say it will help enforce immigration laws more effectively, while critics worry it could lead to people being deported without enough time to defend themselves or get legal help.
How Do These Actions Affect Different Groups?
Immigrants and Their Families
For immigrants—especially those without legal status—these enforcement actions and new laws create a climate of fear and uncertainty. Many worry about being separated from their families or being sent back to countries they may not even remember. The Jacksonville demonstration and similar protests are a way for these communities to show they are not alone and that others support their right to fair treatment.
Local Communities
Local communities, especially those with large immigrant populations, are feeling the effects of these actions. Schools, churches, and community centers are all trying to figure out how to keep people safe and informed. Some families are keeping their children home from school or avoiding public places out of fear.
Employers and Businesses
Employers who rely on immigrant workers are also concerned. Sudden raids and deportations can leave businesses short-staffed and disrupt local economies. Some business owners are speaking out against aggressive enforcement, saying it hurts not just immigrants but the whole community.
Law Enforcement and Public Officials
Police and public officials are caught in the middle. They are under pressure to enforce the law, but they also have to maintain trust with the communities they serve. Heavy-handed tactics can make it harder for police to do their jobs, as people may become less willing to report crimes or cooperate with investigations.
The Bigger Picture: National Debate on Immigration
The Jacksonville demonstration is just one example of how immigration policy debates are playing out across the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these local protests are part of a larger movement pushing back against what many see as unfair and harsh immigration enforcement.
The debate over immigration is not new, but it has become more heated in recent years. Some people believe strong enforcement is needed to protect the country and uphold the law. Others argue that the current system is broken and that it punishes people who are simply trying to build better lives for themselves and their families.
What Is ICE and What Are Immigration Raids?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws inside the United States 🇺🇸. One of its main jobs is to find and remove people who are in the country without permission. ICE often carries out “raids,” which are sudden operations where agents go to homes, workplaces, or public places to arrest people they believe are in the country illegally.
These raids are controversial. Supporters say they are necessary to enforce the law and keep the country safe. Critics say they are often unfair, can lead to mistakes, and create fear in immigrant communities.
For more information about ICE and its enforcement actions, you can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
What Is Due Process and Why Does It Matter?
Due process is a basic legal right in the United States 🇺🇸. It means that before the government can take away someone’s freedom or send them out of the country, that person must have a fair chance to tell their side of the story in court. This includes the right to a hearing, the right to see the evidence against them, and the right to have a lawyer.
Many protesters, both in Jacksonville and Los Angeles, say that ICE raids often ignore due process. They claim that people are being arrested and deported without a fair hearing, which goes against the principles of justice and fairness.
What Can People Do If They Are Affected?
If you or someone you know is affected by immigration enforcement actions, there are steps you can take:
- Know your rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has certain rights, no matter their immigration status. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer.
- Contact local organizations: Groups like the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance can provide information and support.
- Seek legal help: If you are facing deportation, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible. You can find a list of accredited immigration lawyers on the U.S. Department of Justice website.
What Happens Next?
The situation in both Jacksonville and Los Angeles is still developing. Protesters in Jacksonville plan to keep up the pressure on local officials, especially as the city council considers new laws that could affect undocumented immigrants. In Los Angeles, protests are likely to continue as long as ICE raids and detentions keep happening.
At the national level, the debate over immigration enforcement, due process, and the rights of undocumented immigrants is likely to remain a major issue. Lawmakers in Florida and other states are pushing for tougher laws, while activists and community groups are fighting to protect the rights of immigrants.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- The Jacksonville demonstration is part of a nationwide response to recent ICE raids and immigration enforcement actions, especially those in Los Angeles.
- Protesters are calling for an end to aggressive raids, respect for due process, and protection for immigrant communities.
- Local and national lawmakers are pushing for new laws that could speed up deportations and limit support for undocumented immigrants.
- The debate over immigration enforcement is affecting schools, businesses, and families across the United States 🇺🇸.
- If you are affected by these issues, it is important to know your rights and seek help from trusted organizations and legal professionals.
As the situation continues to change, staying informed and connected to local resources is the best way to protect yourself and your community. For the latest updates on immigration policy and enforcement, you can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
By coming together and making their voices heard, communities like Jacksonville and Los Angeles are showing that immigration is not just a political issue—it’s a human one that affects real people every day.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids to arrest unauthorized immigrants in the U.S.
Due process → Legal right ensuring individuals receive fair hearings before punishment or deportation in U.S. courts.
National Guard → Military reserve forces deployed by the federal or state government to assist in emergencies or unrest.
REMOVE Act → Proposed Florida law requiring immigration removal proceedings to conclude within fifteen days after start.
Unauthorized immigrants → Individuals residing in the U.S. without legal permission or valid immigration status.
This Article in a Nutshell
Jacksonville demonstrated solidarity with Los Angeles immigrants amid ICE raids sparking protests and tensions. Local groups demand due process and oppose harsh laws accelerating deportations. The conflict highlights nationwide debates on immigration enforcement, community rights, and the balance of law and humanity in a volatile political climate.
— By VisaVerge.com
