Demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration crackdown continued to spread across the United States on Wednesday, despite a military-backed operation in Los Angeles and Trump’s threats to deploy “heavy force.”

The protests erupted after a sudden escalation in immigration enforcement, including large-scale workplace raids, detentions, and the deployment of military forces to major cities.

Tensions Rise in Los Angeles

In downtown Los Angeles—epicenter of the unrest since last Friday—police enforced an overnight curfew, arresting at least 25 people who defied it. Heavily armed officers patrolled government buildings while local businesses boarded up windows to prevent vandalism. The area remained relatively calm by Wednesday morning.

“I would say for the most part everything is hunky dory right here at Ground Zero,” said Lynn Sturgis, 66, a retired schoolteacher, during a vigil. “Our city is not at all on fire, it’s not burning down, as our terrible leader is trying to tell you.”

Around 1,000 of the 4,700 troops President Trump ordered to Los Angeles were actively deployed, working in tandem with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to Deputy Commanding General Army North, Scott Sherman. The remaining troops, including 700 active-duty Marines, are undergoing civil disturbance training.

The Pentagon stated the deployment will cost taxpayers an estimated $134 million.

Federal Immigration Raids Trigger Nationwide Unrest

The mostly peaceful protests were triggered by what many describe as a sudden intensification of Trump’s deportation campaign. Raids were conducted across workplaces, targeting undocumented migrants.

“If our troops didn’t go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now,” Trump wrote on social media Wednesday.

Despite California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, Trump ordered the National Guard to deploy—marking the first time in decades a U.S. president has acted without a state’s consent.

“Democracy is under assault right before our eyes,” Newsom warned in a televised address. “California may be first, but it clearly won’t end here.”

Curfews, Arrests, and Resistance

On Tuesday night, Los Angeles police enforced the citywide curfew following a fifth day of protests. Roads were closed and demonstrators were arrested as clashes flared.

Images from downtown show protesters waving Mexican flags and riding in trucks, some defiantly violating curfew. Isolated incidents of vandalism and property damage—including the burning of self-driving taxis—prompted law enforcement to use tear gas and other crowd-control measures.

The Trump administration continues to portray the protests as a threat to national security.

“President Trump will never allow mob rule to prevail in America,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing.

Protests Expand Beyond California

Despite escalating rhetoric and security measures, protests are gaining traction nationwide.

Thousands took to the streets in New York City and Chicago on Tuesday night. Demonstrations are scheduled for Seattle, Las Vegas, and San Antonio, with organizers planning a national “No Kings” movement this Saturday—coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C.

“Very heavy force” will be used if protests disrupt the parade, Trump warned during a speech at an Army base.

The parade, which includes tanks and warplanes, is officially celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army—but critics view it as a political spectacle.

Critics Accuse Trump of Political Staging

Opposition voices accuse Trump of exploiting the immigration crisis for political gain.

“Trump inflamed the situation and went well beyond his stated intent to just go after violent and serious criminals,” said Governor Newsom. “His agents are arresting dishwashers, gardeners, day laborers, and seamstresses.”

Footage obtained by AFP appears to show federal agents using smoke devices and weapons to forcibly detain a man in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles—leaving his wife and two children traumatized.