SAN DIEGO (AP) - Adam Greenfield, while nursing a cold at home, was alerted by his girlfriend about the arrival of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles in their vibrant San Diego neighborhood. The poet and podcast producer quickly grabbed his iPhone and rushed outside barefoot, joining neighbors in recording masked agents raiding a local Italian restaurant. As the situation escalated, the crowd grew to nearly 75 people, many confronting the officers to leave the scene.
Greenfield expressed his determination to speak out, stating, "I couldn’t stay silent. It was literally outside of my front door." Throughout the country, an increasing number of Americans are witnessing ICE agents arresting individuals in public places such as gyms, restaurants, and local communities, especially as the Trump administration intensifies immigration arrests.
On the evening of the May 30 raid, Greenfield noted the impressive diversity of the crowd, which included grandparents, retired military members, and individuals on date nights. Despite ICE's aggressive tactics—including the use of flash bangs to disperse the crowd—public backlash appears to be mounting against these immigration enforcement practices. Historically, ICE has conducted raids during late-night hours or at dawn, typically outside homes or work sites. However, newer operations have taken place in bustling locations, prompting more drastic public reactions.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, commented that local sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with ICE, have necessitated these community arrests. ICE is tasked with enforcing immigration laws nationwide but often seeks assistance from state and local authorities to apprehend individuals facing deportation.
During a visit to Los Angeles, Vice President JD Vance remarked that the local government’s restrictions have created morale issues for ICE agents, who reportedly face protests within minutes of starting their operations. He noted, "When that Border Patrol agent goes out to do their job, they said within 15 minutes they have protesters, sometimes violent protesters who are in their face obstructing them." This rising tension reflects a changing dynamic between law enforcement agencies and communities.
In Downey, California, Melyssa Rivas experienced a distressing encounter when she heard screams from young women outside her office. Upon investigating, she discovered nearly a dozen masked federal agents surrounding a man kneeling on the pavement. Describing the scene, Rivas said, "It was like a scene out of a movie," highlighting the trauma experienced by the man and the panicked reaction of bystanders.
Rivas captured the incident on video as local residents formed a crowd, shouting at the agents to leave, ultimately causing them to depart without detaining the individual. That day, reports of federal agents appeared at various locations in Downey, including a Home Depot and an LA Fitness gym, though it was unclear how many individuals were apprehended.
Similar scenes unfolded across the country, with communities protesting outside ICE buildings. In Spokane, Washington, a protest erupted on June 11 after former city councilor Ben Stuckart announced on social media that two Venezuelan asylum seekers, including his legal ward, were detained while checking in for routine appointments at an ICE facility. Both men were supposed to have temporary humanitarian protection to live and work in the U.S.
As a result of Stuckart's efforts, hundreds of protestors rallied outside the ICE building. Many participants were distressed about the impact of deportations on local immigrant families, including Aysha Mercer, a mother of three who stated the treatment of immigrants was unacceptable. Despite being previously non-political, Mercer participated in protests for the first time during the "No Kings" demonstrations across the country.
The events have drawn considerable attention, with police intervening in Spokane; more than 180 officers were dispatched to manage the protest, which resulted in over 30 arrests, including Stuckart's. He was later released, but the incident further fueled community frustration over immigration enforcement practices and highlighted the emotional responses of residents to the deportation of those they know and care about.
