Protests Against Trump Immigration Policy Spread Across U.S.; Rallies Held in New York, Chicago, and LA

AFP Yonhap News

Protests sparked by a series of shootings involving immigration authorities in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are spreading.

According to the Associated Press and other sources, on January 30 (local time), demonstrations against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown took place in cities including Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

The organizers of these protests urged people "not to work, not to go to school, and not to shop."

Hundreds gathered outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on the outskirts of Minneapolis, with protesters demanding that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents "leave Minnesota."

Some businesses announced they would close for the day or donate their profits to support immigrants in solidarity with the protests. In states such as Arizona and Colorado, some schools preemptively canceled classes, anticipating high absenteeism due to protest participation.

In Los Angeles, which was the first target of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in June of last year, thousands gathered in front of City Hall and marched into the evening. Mark Dion, the Democratic mayor of Portland, emphasized that "opposition is the essence of democracy and the spirit of America," stressing the importance of speaking out against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

As public backlash against ICE raids rapidly intensified, President Trump announced a plan to "ease tensions." White House border czar Tom Homan also stated at a press conference on January 29 that the number of immigration enforcement agents in Minnesota could be reduced.

However, it has been reported that the Trump administration has significantly expanded ICE's authority to allow the warrantless arrest of undocumented immigrants deemed at risk of fleeing under these circumstances.