Protests in the U.S. West Face Police Action, Resulting in Nearly 100 Arrests

Protests erupted on September 19, 2025, in several U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C., as demonstrators rallied against intensified immigration enforcement actions. The largest confrontations occurred outside federal immigration facilities, where activists attempted to block vehicle access and demand an end to mass deportations and alleged racial profiling.

Chicago Confrontation and Arrests

In suburban Chicago, dozens of protesters gathered at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Broadview, carrying American flags and signs reading “Hands off Chicago.” According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, three protesters were arrested after attempting to block vehicles, and federal agents deployed chemical agents, including tear gas and pepper balls, to disperse the crowd. Legal observers from the National Lawyers Guild reported that at least ten people were arrested, with some requiring hospitalization due to injuries sustained during the police response. ICE described the demonstrators as “rioters,” accusing them of assaulting law enforcement and damaging property, while activists and local politicians maintained the protest was peaceful and condemned the use of force.

New York City: Elected Officials Among Those Detained

In Manhattan, protests outside the Federal Plaza courthouse led to the arrest of State Senator Gustavo Rivera and ten other elected officials, including City Comptroller Brad Lander. The demonstration was organized in response to reports of New Yorkers, including high school students, allegedly being detained by federal agents without transparency. Senator Rivera, in a public statement, emphasized the need to resist what he described as undemocratic and unlawful actions by the federal government, calling for continued advocacy for due process and constitutional protections for all residents regardless of immigration status. The arrests of public officials highlighted growing tensions between local leaders and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics.

Washington, D.C.: Community Pushback and Distrust

In Washington, D.C., immigrant neighborhoods have seen a surge in ICE arrests since President Donald Trump declared a “crime emergency” in August. Residents have responded by organizing rapid alerts and protests, with some incidents resulting in the release of detained individuals after public outcry. Community organizations report increased racial profiling and a climate of fear among Latino residents, while federal officials maintain that enforcement targets individuals with outstanding warrants or criminal convictions. The Supreme Court recently lifted restrictions on immigration arrests based on race or location, further intensifying local concerns.

Broader Context and Political Response

The protests and subsequent police actions reflect a broader national debate over immigration policy and civil liberties. Local leaders, including Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and congressional candidates, have publicly criticized the Trump administration’s enforcement surge, vowing to continue resistance and support for affected communities. The events have also drawn attention to the role of law enforcement and the use of force in managing public demonstrations, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.

Ongoing Demonstrations and Legal Challenges

Activists and legal observers continue to monitor the situation, documenting arrests and injuries while providing support to those detained. The protests are expected to persist as federal operations expand and local communities mobilize in defense of immigrant rights. The interplay between federal authority and local resistance remains a focal point in the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement.