Los Angeles, California — Filipino American activists joined mounting protests in downtown Los Angeles this week following sweeping U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the city.
Protests entered their fourth day on Monday as hundreds of demonstrators rallied near federal facilities. Tensions escalated when over 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines were deployed to reinforce law enforcement.
The day’s key developments unfolded as follows:
- Demonstrators gathered near the Metropolitan Detention Center and the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement building.
- Union workers rallied for SEIU California President David Huerta, arrested Friday for allegedly obstructing federal officers.
- Tanggol Migrante condemned Huerta’s arrest and the heavy military presence, emphasizing solidarity with migrant communities.
Tanggol Migrante stated that Huerta’s detention highlights a crackdown targeting those who defend migrant rights rather than actual criminals. They referenced his prior support for Filipino workers, such as Lewelyn Dixon, who ICE detained for three months.
Clashes intensified Monday evening when police declared the assembly unlawful. Protesters faced skirmish lines, flash-bangs, and less-lethal rounds as officers pushed crowds away from federal buildings.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment of federal troops, calling it excessive and unconstitutional. Arrests during the weekend included charges ranging from looting to attempted murder.
