News Summary
Major protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) erupted in downtown San Antonio, with hundreds gathering to voice their opposition. The protests have grown amid concerns over immigration policies and the treatment of immigrants. Governor Greg Abbott’s order to deploy the Texas National Guard has sparked controversy, while local officials expressed they were not informed of these plans. Despite a heavy police presence, the demonstrations remained peaceful while highlighting broader national discussions on immigration enforcement and community rights.
San Antonio – Major protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids erupted in downtown San Antonio on June 11, 2025. The demonstrations saw an initial crowd of about 100 gather near the historic Alamo by 7 PM, rapidly swelling to hundreds by 9 PM. The protesters expressed their opposition to ICE’s operations and voiced concerns regarding the treatment of immigrants.
The gathering began at City Hall, where participants rallied before marching down Dolorosa and St. Mary’s streets. During the events, Alamo Plaza was closed to accommodate the growing crowd, and members of the Texas Department of Public Safety patrolled the area while San Antonio police monitored the scene to maintain order.
Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to deploy the Texas National Guard to San Antonio was made ahead of the protests, a move that sparked significant controversy. The Governor’s office issued a statement emphasizing that while peaceful protests are allowed, any lawlessness would be met with strict enforcement. City officials, including San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, expressed that they did not request the National Guard’s deployment nor received any advance notice of the troop presence.
Despite the heavy police presence, reports indicated that no violence occurred during the protests. However, the situation was tense at times, particularly with the arrival of a group identified as This Is Texas Freedom Force, who appeared at the Alamo armed and claiming they were there to “defend” the site against what they described as “anti-deportation rioters.” Police in San Antonio took measures to block traffic around the demonstration, ensuring the safety of participants and bystanders alike.
Supporters of the protests included various organizations, such as the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and ANTIFA, illustrating a broad network of anti-ICE sentiment among attendees. Several individuals echoed similar frustrations regarding the federal government’s interpretation of immigration laws and policies affecting immigrant communities. The San Antonio Police Chief William McManus noted that officers were instructed to intervene should the demonstration escalate into violence.
The incident has drawn attention not just within Texas but across the nation, with another protest planned in San Antonio for June 15 at Travis Park, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, D.C., to be led by former President Trump. This forthcoming event will be organized primarily by the Women’s March and 50501 San Antonio, signaling ongoing discontent regarding immigration enforcement and policies.
An ICE spokesperson has acknowledged the right to protest but warned that any interference with ICE operations could lead to legal ramifications. As demonstrations continue, police in San Antonio have expressed a commitment to monitor peaceful protests and ensure they remain safe and organized.
This series of protests is reflective of a larger national conversation around immigration enforcement, community rights, and public safety. With both local and state agencies preparing for further demonstrations, the situation remains fluid as the public response to immigration policies evolves.
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: ICE Protests San Antonio
- NBC 15
- Google Scholar: National Guard Deployments Texas
- Fox San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Protests
- The Statesman
- Google News: ICE Protests 2025
