Protest Against ICE Raids Escalates in Las Vegas

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Protesters express their dissent against federal immigration policies in Las Vegas.

News Summary

A significant protest in Las Vegas against federal immigration policies led to over 100 arrests following escalating confrontations with law enforcement. Approximately 800 participants gathered to voice dissent against ICE, resulting in declarations of unlawful assembly by police. The situation raised concerns over police communication and the treatment of demonstrators. A civil rights complaint was filed on behalf of an arrested protester, highlighting ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community activism regarding immigration enforcement. Nationwide demonstrations are expected to continue in response.

Las Vegas – A demonstration against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement in downtown Las Vegas on June 11, 2025, resulting in over 100 arrests. Approximately 800 protesters gathered to express their dissent against federal immigration policies, prompting a heavy response from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (Metro).

During the course of the protest, Metro arrested 94 individuals and issued citations to seven juveniles. Four police officers sustained injuries amid confrontations with demonstrators. The protests intensified as various groups voiced their opposition to ICE, with participants displaying signs and chanting slogans critical of the agency and previous federal administration policies.

As tensions rose, police declared an “unlawful assembly” due to the increasing unrest, which led to orders for dispersal of the crowd. Reports stated that officers warned protesters of potential tear gas deployment if they did not comply. Witnesses noted that many protesters may not have heard the dispersal commands, raising concerns about the effectiveness of police communication during the event.

Following the protests, an attorney submitted a civil rights complaint to the FBI on behalf of Karlin Martinez, one of the individuals arrested. Martinez was livestreaming the protest when she was approached by Metro officer Sgt. Frederick Oliveri, who questioned her motives for being there. Video footage, which quickly gained significant attention online, depicted her being arrested while asserting that she was cooperating.

The civil rights complaint alleges that Martinez’s arrest violated her rights and was based on her recording activities, along with her proximity to another protester that aggravated Sgt. Oliveri. Martinez’s attorney criticized the police report, claiming discrepancies between the documented narrative and video evidence available from the scene.

Before the unrest, Metro law enforcement had met with protest organizers to establish ground rules for the demonstration. The situation reached a boiling point when a person wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat entered the protest area, leading to physical confrontations among group members. The police presence was substantial, with additional Metro units on standby nearby; however, many units remained concealed during the event.

Following Las Vegas, demonstrations are expected in multiple cities across the nation, with a large-scale protest planned for that Saturday to further address concerns regarding immigration enforcement practices. Activists at the Las Vegas gathering shared personal experiences, highlighting the struggles of immigrant families and advocating for a shift from punitive measures to approaches based on dignity and respect.

The Incident at the protest raises ongoing questions regarding the relationship between law enforcement and community activism, particularly around immigration issues. Legal observers and officials from organizations monitoring civil liberties raised concerns about the legality of the police’s actions and the adequacy of communication during the event.

As the situation continues to evolve, protesters remain committed to voicing their concerns over federal immigration policies, aiming to bring attention to the challenges faced by immigrant communities and advocating for comprehensive reforms.