Protests against Donald Trump’s immigration policies spread across the U.S. on Wednesday, despite a military-backed crackdown in Los Angeles and threats to use “heavy force”.
In Los Angeles, a curfew was enforced, with police arresting around 25 people who refused to leave the downtown area.
Officers patrolled near government buildings, and storekeepers boarded up windows to protect against vandalism.
The city saw a significant military presence, with 1,000 troops actively guarding facilities and working alongside ICE agents, while 700 active-duty Marines underwent training to deal with civil disturbances.
”I would say for the most part everything is hunky dory right here at Ground Zerom.
“Our city is not at all on fire, it’s not burning down, as our terrible leader is trying to tell you, ”protester Lynn Sturgis, 66, a retired school teacher, told AFP.
Thousands marched in these cities, showing solidarity with the protesters in Los Angeles.
Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the state’s National Guard to counter a planned protest.
Demonstrations were planned ahead of a nationwide “No Kings” movement on Saturday.
Trump insisted that without troops, Los Angeles would be “burning to the ground”.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump won’t allow “mob rule” in America.
Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of escalating the confrontation for political gain, saying “democracy is under assault”.
Critics argued that Trump’s policies were targeting ordinary people, including dishwashers, gardeners, and seamstresses, rather than just serious criminals.
Protesters and democrats claim Trump is manufacturing a crisis to justify his policies.
