Protests against raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) popped up in major cities across the country this week as organizing groups gear up for a nationwide day of action on Saturday against President Trump and the military parade in Washington, D.C.

Demonstrations began June 6 in Los Angeles after immigration raids at several local businesses and escalated in pockets of the city. Democratic officials have blamed President Trump for inflaming the situation after he deployed California National Guard troops and Marines to assist local law enforcement.

A federal judge ruled Thursday that Trump’s mobilization of the troops was illegal and that they should be returned to the command of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). But an appeals court paused the ruling just hours later and will hold a hearing on the matter Tuesday.

The protests in Los Angeles have inspired similar demonstrations across the country. Most protests have been largely peaceful, although some individual interactions between protesters and police have turned violent. Hundreds of people have been arrested in cities across the country.

The demonstrations come ahead of planned "No Kings" protests Saturday in more than 1,500 locations. They'll counter the military parade in Washington to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday — a date that is also Trump’s 79th birthday.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued immigration raids and deportations,

© The Hill