Egypt Daily News – Tensions boiled over in downtown San Francisco Sunday evening as a protest against U.S. immigration enforcement turned chaotic, leading to the arrest of approximately 60 individuals, including minors. What began as a peaceful demonstration near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office rapidly escalated into a confrontation between protesters and police forces.
The protest was part of a growing wave of national outrage following President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles to support immigration enforcement operations. The move — made without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom — marks the first such unilateral deployment in the state in over six decades.
A Protest Turns Volatile
The demonstration began around 6 p.m., organized by activists seeking to show solidarity with immigrant communities and voice opposition to recent immigration raids and military involvement. Participants gathered holding signs denouncing what they called “militarization of immigration policy” and chanting slogans critical of federal immigration enforcement.
However, as the evening wore on, the mood shifted. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, some demonstrators began blocking streets and defacing property. When officers issued dispersal orders that were ignored, riot control units were deployed. The confrontation resulted in scuffles, property damage, and minor injuries.
Three police officers were hurt in the melee, with one hospitalized after being struck by an object thrown from the crowd. Authorities responded with arrests for offenses including unlawful assembly, vandalism, and resisting arrest.
Political Fallout and National Context
President Trump defended his decision to send federal troops, claiming Los Angeles and other cities had been “invaded” by undocumented immigrants and needed urgent intervention. “We will not allow lawlessness to thrive,” Trump stated during a press briefing. “This is about securing our country.”
Governor Newsom denounced the deployment as “a dangerous breach of state sovereignty,” calling it politically motivated and provocative. “The people of California deserve better than militarized crackdowns,” he said.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie echoed calls for calm, stating, “We uphold the right to peaceful protest in this city, but violence and destruction have no place in our community. We are working to restore order while protecting the rights of all residents.”
Looking Ahead
With immigration once again at the center of America’s political discourse, both supporters and critics of current federal policies have pledged to continue mobilizing. Another protest is scheduled at San Francisco City Hall on Monday, with demonstrators set to oppose recent immigration raids and new travel restrictions affecting citizens from 12 countries.
Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that most of those arrested Sunday night were processed and released pending investigation. While the streets of San Francisco have quieted for now, the broader national debate over immigration policy, executive power, and civil rights is far from settled.
