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Anti-Trump protests over immigration: clashes and arrests in several US cities

After Los Angeles, demonstrations also take place in New York, San Francisco and other cities. 2,800 military personnel deployed to quell unrest

Protests against President Donald Trump’s hard line on immigration and recent raids against migrants are spreading like wildfire across the United States. After tensions erupted in Los Angeles, demonstrations and riots also broke out in New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle, Dallas and Louisville.

The most critical moments were recorded in Los Angeles: according to CNN and NBC News, about a thousand protesters were dispersed with the use of stun grenades and rubber bullets fired by the police. Some protesters waved Mexican flags and two upside-down American flags, a symbol of distress. Shouting “peaceful protest”, many participants denounced the excessive use of force by the police.

The tension required large-scale intervention by the authorities. The United States Northern Command (Northcom) mobilised 1,700 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines in the Los Angeles metropolitan area to protect federal personnel and property. The task force, called ‘Task Force 51,’ has a total of 2,100 National Guard troops supported by Marines.

Police also made several arrests in New York, while at least 150 people were detained in San Francisco. The media were not spared: a CNN crew was removed from the protest area in Los Angeles, with two security members detained and subsequently released without formal charges. According to the Los Angeles Press Club and Reporters Without Borders, there have been at least 27 attacks on journalists during the protests in the Californian city.

The situation remains tense and the evolution of the protests is being constantly monitored by federal authorities.

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