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Should Black Americans Protest Mass Deportations?

July 15, 2025

Los Angeles County experienced mass immigration raids last month, prompting thousands of demonstrators to protest against the Trump administration and ICE enforcement actions. When initial protests escalated with police using tear gas, President Trump deployed over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, leading to online debates about whether Black Americans should participate in these demonstrations. Despite the risks, some Black activists continue supporting the protests, noting that immigration is a Black issue with over 4 million Black immigrants in the U.S., including approximately 60,000 in Los Angeles.

Who is affected

  • Undocumented migrants in Los Angeles County
  • Black immigrants (4 million nationwide, 60,000 in Los Angeles)
  • Venezuelan and Haitian immigrants specifically mentioned
  • Mexican American citizens who have been detained or deported due to racial profiling
  • Protesters exposed to tear gas and aggressive law enforcement response
  • Los Angeles taxpayers (city expected to pay over $30 million cleaning up after raids)
  • California's economy (expected to lose over $275 billion in economic activity)

What action is being taken

  • Thousands are demonstrating against ICE raids and the Trump administration's immigration policies
  • President Trump has deployed over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles
  • Black activists and allies are participating in protests despite safety concerns
  • 17 states plus Los Angeles City and County are suing the Trump administration
  • California Legislative Black Caucus members are pushing back against aggressive tactics and indiscriminate arrests
  • The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement is providing guidance on protest safety

Why it matters

  • The issue impacts approximately 10% of the nation's Black population who are immigrants
  • Immigration enforcement involves racial profiling that affects both immigrants and citizens
  • The raids and response are costing Los Angeles $30 million that could support wildfire victims
  • California is projected to lose $275 billion in economic activity due to these raids
  • The situation tests solidarity between different marginalized communities
  • The aggressive law enforcement response raises civil rights concerns

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint