Protests over immigration raids flare across US: Cities brace for weekend 'No Kings' rallies; clashes in Seattle, Spokane, Tucson and others

As immigration enforcement raids by federal authorities continue across the United States, major cities are witnessing a surge in protests—some peaceful, others marked by violence and police intervention.

The Department of Homeland Security insists the raids and deportations will continue, even as civil unrest intensifies ahead of Saturday's planned “No Kings” demonstrations.

Seattle: Dumpster set ablaze, graffiti covers federal building

In Seattle, hundreds gathered downtown on Wednesday evening outside a federal building where immigration cases are heard. Protesters set a nearby dumpster on fire, blocked the entrance with electric bikes and cones, and spray-painted “Abolish ICE Now” on the building’s front windows.Clashes broke out as police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd, while some demonstrators hurled rocks and fireworks, according to Seattle police.

Spokane: More than 30 arrested, curfew imposed

A protest in downtown Spokane, Washington, led to more than 30 arrests Wednesday after demonstrators rallied outside an ICE office. Police used pepper balls to break up the crowd, prompting Mayor Lisa Brown to impose an overnight curfew.“We respect their right to peacefully protest and to be upset about federal policies,” Brown said.

“I have been that person who has protested federal policies and that is a right we have.”

San Antonio: National Guard present but protest remains peaceful

In San Antonio, hundreds marched through the city and past the Alamo mission. Though Texas National Guard troops were deployed nearby, the event remained largely peaceful with no serious clashes reported.The historic Alamo and its surrounding plaza were closed early as a precaution. Police were stationed to guard the landmark as protesters passed by.

Tucson: Paint balloons, flash-bangs in ICE protest clash

A demonstration outside an ICE facility in Tucson escalated into confrontation between protesters and masked security personnel. Demonstrators blocked roads, threw paint-filled balloons, and spray-painted anti-ICE messages on the facility.Video showed at least one officer struck by a water bottle and another setting off a flash-bang device. Protesters wielded makeshift shields and, in one exchange, traded chemical irritants with security officers.

It remains unclear whether the officers involved were private or federal agents.

‘No Kings’ rallies planned in 2,000 locations

Organisers of the nationwide “No Kings” movement say protests are planned in nearly 2,000 locations to coincide with Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C. Though no demonstrations are scheduled in the capital, a flagship rally is planned in Philadelphia.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a warning to protesters: “If you want to light things on fire and put people in danger, you are going to do time.

We do not tolerate rioting.”Federal prosecutors also sent instructions to U.S. attorneys to prioritise prosecution of violent demonstrators, citing federal charges like civil disorder and damage to government property.

National Guard mobilised in Texas and Missouri

Republican governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Mike Kehoe of Missouri mobilised National Guard units ahead of the weekend’s protests. Abbott said more than 5,000 Guard members and 2,000 state police were ready to support local forces.Several rallies are planned in Texas cities, including San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Houston. Brief clashes were reported in Austin and Dallas earlier in the week. Austin police made about a dozen arrests.Mayors of both San Antonio and Austin stated they did not request National Guard support.Kehoe called his move a “precautionary measure,” offering no specifics on troop numbers. Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected federal troop deployments, receiving support from all 22 Democratic governors who called such action “an alarming abuse of power.”