Los Angeles, California—Protests that erupted over the weekend in Los Angeles are poised to extend across the nation, with demonstrations planned in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta throughout the week. Activists are rallying against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and broader federal immigration policies that they deem unjust.

The weekend protests drew significant attention, resulting in around 56 arrests as National Guard troops and marines were deployed in a bid to quell dissent. The deployment, initiated under President Donald Trump’s orders, sparked strong opposition from California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who labeled the action as governmental overreach.

California has since announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration, characterizing the National Guard’s deployment as unlawful. The unrest in Los Angeles has catalyzed a wave of solidarity gatherings, with at least 25 rallies occurring from coast to coast, differing in size from small groups of a few dozen to large crowds numbering in the thousands.

Among the demonstrators, many labor activists demanded the release of SEIU California President David Huerta, who was taken into custody during the protests. Rallies in San Francisco attracted thousands, and while local police described the majority of the demonstrations as peaceful, there were instances of smaller groups engaging in vandalism.

In Santa Ana, Orange County, over 1,000 people joined a protest at a federal building. Although the exact number of arrests remains unclear, police declared the gathering unlawful, contributing to an increasingly tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, more than 60 individuals were arrested during a march in San Francisco for ignoring dispersal orders.

On the East Coast, tensions boiled over during a New York City rally, leading to nine arrests. Protesters confronted law enforcement as they rallied against ICE raids and other immigration-related policies outside Trump Tower. Similar gatherings erupted in cities like Boston and Washington, D.C., highlighting a widespread outcry across multiple regions.

Protests were not limited to the West and East coasts; demonstrations also unfolded in cities like Dallas and San Antonio. In Dallas, police reported at least one arrest during a confrontation at a major intersection. In contrast, San Antonio saw hundreds take to the streets, with momentum growing in southern states.

Across these events, participants emphasized the personal impact of immigration policies. Vanessa Garcia-Morales from San Jose expressed deep concern for her family’s safety amidst heightened enforcement actions. This sentiment resonated with many, as demonstrators conveyed shared fears of targeted deportations.

As protests continue to grow and evolve, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem asserted that the agency remains committed to enforcing U.S. immigration laws. Her statement stands as a reminder of the ongoing national debate surrounding immigration enforcement and civil rights, as communities rally in solidarity against policies they perceive as oppressive.