Dallas Protest Against ICE Raids Draws Hundreds

Participants gather in Dallas, demonstrating their support against ICE raids.

News Summary

Hundreds gathered in Dallas to protest recent ICE raids occurring nationwide. Organized by local immigration advocacy groups, the event aimed to show solidarity with Los Angeles demonstrators and raise awareness about the urgency of protecting immigrant rights. Tensions escalated when police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and moved in with crowd control measures. Organizers emphasized the importance of collective action, leading to plans for a larger protest in June, correlating with President Trump’s birthday, to continue advocating for immigrant communities.

Dallas Protest Against ICE Raids Draws Hundreds

Hundreds gathered on Monday evening in Dallas to protest against recent ICE raids occurring nationwide. The event, organized by local immigration advocacy groups, aimed to express solidarity with demonstrators in Los Angeles who have faced similar governmental actions.

Protestors convened near the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge around 7 p.m. and began to march toward Downtown Dallas. The demonstration was marked by chants urging the cessation of ICE operations and advocating for immigrant rights. Organizers emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing these pressing issues faced by immigrant communities across the United States.

In Los Angeles, protests escalated over the weekend, prompting the Pentagon to deploy nearly 700 Marines and members of the National Guard in response to civil unrest. Local law enforcement there reported numerous clashes with protestors, resulting in multiple arrests. The Dallas event mirrored these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of confronting ICE’s ongoing actions.

The Dallas Police Department (DPD) maintained a visible presence throughout the protest, with officers monitoring the situation from the start. At least two protestors were detained during the event, and DPD later confirmed that charges were pending against one individual. By approximately 9:40 p.m., police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, instructing participants to disperse or face arrest.

When protestors refused to disperse, DPD moved in at around 10:15 p.m., deploying pepper spray and smoke to break up the crowd. During the confrontation, protestors reportedly threw objects at officers, including water bottles and a firework.

The rally was organized to maintain a peaceful atmosphere despite the tension that arose. Notable speakers included local leaders who expressed a desire to support those adversely affected by ICE policies. Concerns over the situation in Los Angeles were voiced, with emphasis on the fear and uncertainty that these actions bring to immigrant families. Organizers reiterated the need for solidarity among cities in resisting oppressive government actions.

Participants chanted slogans such as “ICE, ICE, shut it down” and “unite and fight for immigrant rights,” signaling unified demands from the crowd. Various community members, including clergy and veterans, joined in expressing their support for the movement. One senior pastor reported being pepper-sprayed while attempting to calm tensions among the protestors.

The Dallas protest was not an isolated event; it was part of a broader wave of demonstrations responding to ongoing ICE activities. Local advocacy groups have been increasingly vocal in their opposition to these enforcement actions, urging residents to confront the implications for both individuals and families affected by such raids.

Officials conveyed their primary concern was the safety of residents and visitors in the area during the protest. Despite the breakdown in order at the end of the evening, the initial intent of the gathering remained focused on unity and advocacy.

Looking ahead, organizers in Dallas have planned a larger protest called the “No Kings” event, scheduled for June 14, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday. The upcoming rally aims to galvanize further action while maintaining the central themes of solidarity and resistance against policies that threaten immigrant communities nationwide.