A wave of violent clashes is sweeping through major American cities as President Donald Trump's decision to convert 23 massive warehouses into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centres ignites massive backlash. Los Angeles, Portland, and Minnesota find themselves at the epicentre of an escalating social explosion, with thousands of anti-ICE activists clashing with federal security forces. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of activists have already been recruited into the anti-ICE movement, with their numbers increasing daily. Tensions show signs of de-escalating only in a hypothetical scenario of a full ICE withdrawal and an end to deportations—something the Trump administration has made clear will not happen. Instead, the goal remains clear: the deportation of one million migrants annually.
Violent incidents in Los Angeles
On Friday, police forces used pepper balls and tear gas to disperse what they described as a "violent mob of instigators" outside a federal detention centre in Los Angeles. Thousands of protesters had initially gathered outside City Hall before moving toward the detention facility, where they attempted to block the entrance, even moving a large construction waste bin to obstruct access. Despite the use of chemical agents, groups of protesters continued to hurl bottles, rocks, and other objects at the police. Authorities declared the area an "unlawful assembly," and videos of the incidents have been described as "deeply shocking."
Portland: A ‘war zone’
On Saturday, thousands of protesters marched toward an ICE facility in Portland. Federal agents responded with tear gas, pepper balls, and flash-bang grenades, even directed toward crowds where children were present. Witness accounts describe parents who had brought children along in strollers. After a second wave of chemical agents in the afternoon, the crowd thinned out drastically. However, analysts have characterized Portland as a "war zone" for months, with violence showing a steady escalation.
Minnesota: Protests inside Target stores
In Minnesota, the protests took a different form. Demonstrators stormed Target stores, demanding that management ban ICE agents from entering for the purpose of making arrests. In a Richfield store, over 100 people marched through the premises, shouting slogans and holding Socialist Alternative banners. In another incident in West St Paul, a police officer publicly expressed sympathy for the protesters, stating he "fully understands" their stance, even though he is obligated to enforce the law.
Over 34,000 ‘watchers’ against ICE
The situation in Minnesota worsened further following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, events that acted as a catalyst. Over 34,000 residents have signed up for ICE "watch" networks, which monitor and intervene in the agency's operations. These groups reportedly outnumber ICE agents by a ratio of more than 10 to 1. Despite the pressure, ICE agents continue their operations. Recently, Tranquilino Sixto-Anorve, an individual with a criminal record, was arrested after ramming an ICE vehicle during an escape attempt in St Paul.
Giant detention network with 23 warehouses
The Trump administration is moving forward with a plan to convert 23 e-commerce warehouses into a nationwide network of migrant detention centres. The project is funded with $45 billion from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” according to Bloomberg. Among the new facilities are warehouses in Hagerstown, Maryland, and Surprise, Arizona, while one of the largest detention centres in the US is being created in El Paso, Texas, with 8,500 beds. The facility in Arizona alone boasts over 400,000 square feet of detention space.
Conflict without end
The message is clear: the Trump administration is not backing down. However, anti-ICE protesters are declaring the same. Analysts estimate that throughout 2026, the US may experience unprecedented incidents of civil unrest. What is certain is that the conflict has only just begun—and its consequences promise to be heavy for the whole of American society.
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