U.S. witnesses widespread 'ICE Out' protests against Trump's immigration policies

Nationwide protests swept across the United States over the weekend as demonstrators rallied under the slogan “ICE Out,” demanding an end to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, CNN reported. 

The demonstrations marked a second straight day of action following a nationwide strike on Friday that disrupted schools, workplaces, and businesses in several states. Major rallies and marches were held in cities including Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, and Austin.

The protests gained momentum after recent incidents in Minneapolis, where the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good during immigration enforcement operations intensified scrutiny of federal tactics. The cases have become flashpoints in the wider debate over immigration policy. Public anger also grew over the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father in Texas.

Court rulings and political reactions

In a key development, a federal judge ordered the release of the child and his father, criticising the government’s actions. They returned to Minneapolis on Sunday, Texas Representative Joaquin Castro said. However, another court denied a request by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul to halt Operation Metro Surge, a large federal immigration operation involving thousands of agents.

The Department of Homeland Security welcomed the ruling, while local officials vowed to continue legal challenges. Amid the unrest, President Donald Trump said federal authorities would not intervene in protests in Democratic-led cities unless local leaders requested assistance.