Protests Erupt in Anaheim Against ICE Deportation Policies

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Protesters gather near Angel Stadium in Anaheim to voice their opposition against ICE deportation policies.

News Summary

In Anaheim, California, around 200 protesters gathered near Angel Stadium to oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities amid President Trump’s plans for mass deportation. The protest, part of a nationwide movement, showcased attendees expressing their dissent through music and dancing. The demonstration coincided with increasing tensions as the Trump administration initiates aggressive deportation operations, prompting further protests against immigration policies across California.

Anaheim, California – Protests Against ICE Intensify Amid Trump Administration’s Deportation Push

Approximately 200 demonstrators gathered on Thursday night in Anaheim near Angel Stadium to protest the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Orange County and across the country. This gathering is part of a larger movement that has seen widespread protests erupt in Los Angeles and other major cities due to President Donald Trump’s call for expanded deportation operations.

The protest in Anaheim featured attendees who climbed street poles to wave Mexican flags. Roughly a dozen demonstrators stood in the middle of the street, holding their ground as traffic flowed around them. The event eventually took on a festive atmosphere, with music and dancing breaking out amongst the crowd.

This demonstration is just one of many planned across the nation. A “No Kings Day” protest is slated for Saturday at La Palma Park from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This rally is part of over 1,500 similar anti-Trump protests coinciding with a military parade scheduled in Washington D.C.

Federal Actions and Responses

President Trump has actively pushed for what he described as the “single largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” aiming to execute aggressive deportation operations in major cities, including Los Angeles. The administration has revealed plans to conduct deportations at a scale of up to 3,000 individuals per day. In response to these actions, widespread protests have surfaced across California, as communities express their opposition to these immigration policies.

The Department of Homeland Security previously announced a pause on most immigration raids at farms, restaurants, and hotels, acting on directives from the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has taken significant action concerning protest-related activities, recording 575 arrests since the beginning of the demonstrations, with charges ranging from looting to failure to disperse and curfew violations. Notably, 49 individuals were arrested in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday night alone.

Military Involvement and Legal Challenges

In an effort to manage the ongoing protests, President Trump deployed 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the scene. Their role is aimed at supporting law enforcement while continuing immigration enforcement activities. However, a federal court hearing is set to take place on Tuesday to review the control of National Guard activity following challenges brought forward by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Governor Newsom argues that Trump’s decision to federalize the National Guard violated congressionally mandated procedures.

A previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer deemed Trump’s actions illegal, detailing violations of the Tenth Amendment. However, this ruling was stayed by a three-judge appellate panel, thereby allowing the National Guard troops to remain under federal control until further hearings can occur.

Despite the deployment of National Guard troops, Major General Scott Sherman clarified that these troops will not engage in law enforcement actions during protests, but will instead focus on protecting federal law enforcement personnel.

Impact on Local Events and Future Protests

As part of extended late-night curfews imposed in downtown Los Angeles, various events are being affected, including the cancellation of Saturday’s performances of “Hamlet” at the Mark Taper Forum. However, sporting events such as the Concacaf tournament remain scheduled to proceed, with officials closely monitoring planned protests surrounding the events.

Mayor Karen Bass indicated that these curfews may remain in effect for several more days, suggesting that the city is bracing for continued unrest amid the growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. As demonstrations persist across the region, the situation remains fluid, with activists determined to voice their concerns against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.