Philly News

Philadelphia Anti-ICE Protests Clash with Police, Resulting in Multiple Arrests

2 weeks ago
2 min. read

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, protesters in Philadelphia spoke out against ongoing ICE raids and federal immigration enforcement across the United States. 

A protest emerged in Old City, Philadelphia on Monday. A protest was also held over the weekend in Norristown, where about 20 individuals have been detained so far, according to reports. 

“We don’t like what we’re seeing, we don’t like how it’s being conducted, and we want to make that known in really visible, direct ways,” said local activist David McMahon. 

Outside of Independence Mall on Monday, a crowd of protesters spoke out against federal immigration enforcement by the Trump administration. 

The Services Employees International Union organized the protest against ICE raids and the detainment of California union leader David Huerta. 

“David Huerta is a union leader, a father and a U.S. citizen. He was detained unjustly in Los Angeles on Friday while exercising his First Amendment rights. If they can do that to a union leader, they can do that to anyone,” Sam Williamson, Vice President of SEIU said. 

Philadelphia’s Carnaval de Puebla, which typically brings in a crowd of 15,000 attendees per year, was cancelled this year over concerns of ICE raids. 

In January, seven individuals were detained during an ICE operation at a car wash in North Philadelphia. 

At the protest, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Daniel Bauder said, “You won’t illegally kidnap labor leaders in this country because we’re going to fight back and we’re going to fight back with every fiber of our being. Do not lose hope. Stand up for each other. Not just in moments like this, but every day. Stand up for each other at work. It is our solidarity, that’s the only thing that’s going to get us through this, but we will get through it. 

Multiple protesters were also detained Tuesday as dozens of people gathered in Center City to rally against the Trump administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Philadelphia.

The protests come in response to moves by the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration and secure the border. 

President Trump sent 2,000 National Guard troops to California over the weekend to assist local law enforcement in controlling violent protests that broke out against ICE and federal immigration enforcement.