U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Orange County on Monday led to intense protests outside the Santa Ana Federal Building. As confirmed by officials, the raids sparked significant public outcry, with protesters gathering in large numbers. By 11 p.m., the scene was tense, with law enforcement heavily present, and protesters still active around the Federal Building.
The situation escalated when federal officers were reportedly “overrun” by protesters, leading to the use of tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. According to Newsweek, the City of Santa Ana declared an unlawful assembly and took measures to restore order. At least one person was detained during the protests.
The protests in Santa Ana followed a series of demonstrations in downtown Los Angeles, where President Donald Trump had deployed the National Guard to support federal operations. The aggressive immigration enforcement actions have drawn criticism from state and local leaders. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids and the federal response, calling the actions “purposefully inflammatory.” Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles also criticized the tactics used, stating they “sow terror in our communities.”
The raids and subsequent protests have sparked a debate over immigration policies and law enforcement’s handling of such situations. As the protests continue, advocates like Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, vow to keep fighting against the arrests. The situation remains fluid, with further protests and potential legal actions anticipated in the coming days.
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