Nationwide protests in the United States have intensified in response to the immigration policies of President Donald Trump. In a single night, demonstrations were held in at least twelve US cities.

Protesters have reacted strongly to the mass detentions of immigrants and the increasing presence of federal forces. They say federal agents’ treatment of immigrants is tearing families apart and violating the fundamental rights of citizens.

One protester in Los Angeles said: "We're here because immigration is ripping families apart, and we're not okay with that. They're attacking our communities; they're attacking hardworking people that are here to make a better life for themselves and their families. Because they're working against us instead of protecting us. The cops should be here to protect and serve their community. We are their community, but they're not protecting us."

Another protester stated: "They brought the National Guard to LA. They're about to sweep us up. They're going to enclose us right now. We're protesting because they're stealing our people out here in LA. They're kidnapping us. They're not giving us rights. They're treating us like we're animals out here, shooting at us. We have not agitated them. We are using our voice. We are practicing our First Amendment right, and they're afraid of us."

Meanwhile, the mayor of Los Angeles expressed concern over the deployment of federal military forces in the city, saying she wants to speak directly with Donald Trump on the matter.

Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, said: “I want to speak to the president and that I want him to understand the significance of what is happening here.”

Peggy Lemons, the mayor of Paramount, California, commented on the situation in her city: “Families are too afraid to leave their homes and the very places that once served as gathering spots for joy, like our beloved swap meet, have been marred by fear as a vibrant gathering place for our diverse community. Some are avoiding going to work. It continues to get worse as these loyal vendors are forced to stay away out of fear of losing their livelihood.”

These protests have escalated as the US president ordered the deployment of 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles.

Local leaders have called on the federal government to respond to the public’s demands and adopt policies that both ensure national security and respect the human dignity of immigrants.