Los Angelenos have taken to the streets to protest, mostly peacefully, against mass arrests and deportations by ICE, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a major and unprecedented escalation, President Trump called in National Guard and Marine troops to Los Angeles – over the objections of California governor Gavin Newsom – and threatened to use ‘very big force’ against any protesters in the future.
Quinn McKew, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19, said:
‘The United States was founded by protesters seeking justice. Across generations, popular protest has achieved vital social change, from giving women the right to vote to ending school segregation. Constitutionally protected by the First Amendment, protesting is a deeply cherished American value that is critical to our shared history.
‘Any use of force, especially by the military, to cut off peaceful protest is an assault on the First Amendment and what America stands for.
‘We urge the courts and US lawmakers to pull away from this dangerous path – before the rights exist only on paper.’