Irina Park
Recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations across the United States have intensified the targeting of immigrant workers, while meeting with protest and attempted disruptions by neighbors and activists.
In San Diego, ICE conducted raids at two restaurants May 30. According to the restaurant’s general manager, ICE agents in tactical gear arrived with a warrant before the restaurant opened and put all 15 workers and the GM in handcuffs before releasing them. At least two workers were detained according to the general manager who confirmed they had legal status. A crowd of neighbors gathered protesting the ICE agents’ presence, surrounding and hitting their vehicles, chanting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” ICE agents fired flashbangs against the crowd.
On June 3 in Minneapolis, hundreds of people clashed with ICE, federal officers, Minneapolis police, and state officers as raids occurred at a taco restaurant. Most of the agents wore masks and refused to identify which agency they were with. Protesters shouted at officers and questioned Minneapolis PD who previously stated they wouldn’t assist in immigration enforcement, yet who stood by protecting ICE during the raid. Protesters blocked law enforcement vehicles while officers used pepper spray and sirens to attempt to disperse the protest. No arrests were made according to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and federal law enforcement declined to state the purpose of the raid.
In Chicago on June 4, ICE agents and activists clashed during a raid where multiple individuals were escorted from an immigration supervision program site into two white vans. Chicago PD was also on the scene. ICE agents called the operation a “standard checkup” through texts to people enrolled in an “Alternatives to Detention” program. When people showed up to the site for what was thought to be a routine visit, they instead left in handcuffs in ICE custody. Masked ICE agents arrested at least 10 people. No reason for the arrests has been provided as of writing.
In Tallahassee, Florida one of the largest recent single-day immigration raids unfolded at a construction site near Florida State University’s Doak Cambell Stadium where more than 100 workers were detained on May 29. Law enforcement officers wore face coverings and camouflage during the raid. DHS called the raid a “targeted law enforcement operation”.
The raids and rising resistance to them come as Trump raises deportation quotas. Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller informed ICE agents of an increase in quotas for immigration arrests from 1,000 per day to 3,000. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” touts an estimated $150 billion in government funds towards deportations and immigration-related activities.
Image: Hundreds of people confront ICE, FBI, and other federal, state, and city police agencies June 3 during an ICE raid in Minneapolis. Nicole Neri, Minnesota Reformer.
The Worker is an entirely volunteer-run revolutionary newspaper free from and radically antagonistic to corporate influence. We rely on the support of our readers to sustain our editorial line in service of the working class and the reconstitution of its party, the Communist Party. Make a one-time or recurring donation to our newspaper today:
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
