Federal Immigration Crackdowns Ignite Protests in Los Angeles While Chicago Leads with Sanctuary Strategy

As federal immigration enforcement escalates under the second Trump administration, stark contrasts have emerged in the responses of America’s major cities. On June 9, 2025, Los Angeles became a flashpoint of protest and confrontation following aggressive raids and the unprecedented deployment of federal troops. Meanwhile, Chicago has doubled down on its sanctuary city framework, offering a proactive, legally resilient model for immigrant communities nationwide. Together, these developments showcase the vital need for legal guidance, community action, and strategic resistance—an area where experienced immigration attorneys, like those at Spar & Bernstein, continue to make a decisive impact.

Los Angeles Protests Sparked by Immigration Raids and Federal Militarization

According to a Reuters report, federal authorities launched large-scale raids across Los Angeles, prompting mass demonstrations in downtown streets. The Department of Homeland Security, supported by over 2,000 National Guard troops and nearly 700 Marines, executed the crackdown under the premise of defending federal assets and restoring order. Local officials, however, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, labeled the action unconstitutional and filed suit in federal court challenging the use of military force without state consent (Reuters).

LAPD declared parts of the downtown area an “unlawful assembly,” deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs in attempts to disperse the crowd. Arrests exceeded 100, including union leaders and immigrant advocates. One reporter was also injured in the chaos. The protests were fueled not just by opposition to deportations, but also by concern over federal encroachment on civil liberties and local governance.

Chicago: A Model for Legal Resistance and Community Empowerment

In sharp contrast, Chicago has emerged as a bastion of organized, rights-based resistance. As detailed in a Guardian article (The Guardian), the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance and the Illinois Trust Act legally limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. This legal shield allows local government and nonprofit groups to focus on community education, rapid response networks, and legal protection for at-risk residents.

Organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and the Organized Communities Against Deportations (OCAD) have mobilized to distribute Know Your Rights materials, assist in asylum claims, and challenge unlawful detentions. The result is not only a safer environment for immigrants, but also a blueprint for municipal-level resistance against aggressive federal tactics.

How Spar & Bernstein Immigration Attorneys Make a Difference