Arizona Joins Growing Resistance to Mass Deportation Operations

In reaction to increased federal immigration enforcement efforts in several states, dozens of protesters gathered at Arizona's state capitol on Sunday night. Following increased deportation efforts under the current federal laws, the gathering is a part of a larger pattern of civil opposition.

Similar protests broke out in Los Angeles, where federal immigration officials have been carrying out extensive deportation operations, at the same time as the Phoenix demonstration. Despite the governor of California's reluctance, President Trump approved the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops in response to civil unrest in the state, which resulted in clashes between protesters and federal forces.

The event in Phoenix on June 8 was peaceful, while many held signs showing support for the protesters in Los Angeles. The area was well guarded by law enforcement, especially in the vicinity of the state capitol.

People of various ages attended the rally. Signs calling for the release of those in custody and an end of ICE were held by many attendees, who also waved Mexican flags.

With chants like "Who's streets, Our Streets" and "Donald Trump Has Got to Go," protesters marched down Washington Street to the congressional lawn.

Despite growing tensions, a number of immigration-related protests have taken place in Arizona in recent weeks, the majority of which have been nonviolent. But as of May 21, clashes broke out during a protest in downtown Phoenix, emphasizing how tense these interactions are becoming.

"This isn't about politics. It's about people. I'm angry. I'm heartbroken, Families are being torn apart. Homes are being raided without warning. People are being taken from their jobs in broad daylight. Children are waking up to empty homes. All because they dared to dream of a better life. Because they crossed a border looking for safety, for a future, for a chance. But now, ICE is hunting them like criminals. Like their existence is a threat. Like they don't belong. But they do belong. They matter. No human being is illegal. We won't stay silent while our community is under attack" a protestor stated at the rally.

Video footage shows federal officers, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) staff, holding people who had come to scheduled immigration hearings at Phoenix Immigration Court, located at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Van Buren Street. In response, around a dozen protesters gathered in the Phoenix metropolitan area to express resistance to ongoing immigration operations and support for the people. 

Organized resistance to the current administration's broader immigration enforcement policy is reflected in the protests. Some protesters used both Spanish and English to voice their opposition to the law enforcement presence and ICE operations during synchronized chants.

Although the majority of participants continued to protest peacefully through organized rallies and signs, tensions occasionally increased between those who supported undocumented immigrants and counter-protestors who supported federal immigration enforcement activities.