On a rainy Saturday in Philadelphia, two distinct protests, each with hundreds in attendance, marched from City Hall to the federal detention center. While the morning’s demonstration, organized by the No Kings coalition, featured predominantly older white adults, the afternoon gathering showcased a more racially diverse crowd, many adorned in keffiyehs and N95 masks, led by the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Despite their differences in strategy and composition, both groups united under a shared objective: to remove ICE from American communities and to condemn the Trump administration’s military aggression in Venezuela.

“From Venezuela to Minneapolis, we are witnessing a regime that will kill its own citizens to maintain its grip on power,” stated Deborah Rose Hinchey, co-chair of Philadelphia’s DSA chapter.

The protests in Philadelphia were part of a broader weekend of action organized nationwide, responding to three recent ICE-related shootings, one of which was fatal. Events like the Philadelphia march were initiated as part of the “ICE Out for Good” initiative, driven by national organizations such as Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), following the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. The DSA also declared a national day of action to confront Trump’s “illegal war” in Venezuela.

“They’re murdering legal observers. This is murder and illegal war crimes,” expressed Rick Krajewski, a Pennsylvania representative, during his address at the afternoon rally.

Planned actions spanned all 50 states, with demonstrations continuing into Sunday. Large gatherings were also reported in cities including Boston, San Francisco, and Portland, Oregon. In snowy Minneapolis, police estimated that tens of thousands turned out, chanting demands to “Defund ICE!” and honoring Renee Nicole Good’s memory. U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig attempted to enter an ICE facility, later alleging unlawful denial of access by the agency.

Protests have surged across the nation since Good’s tragic death, with tension escalating between authorities and demonstrators. In Hartford, Connecticut, vehicles suspected to be driven by ICE agents drove through a protest, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Portland also witnessed six arrests during another demonstration related to the ICE incident.

In Minnesota, which has seen particularly heated protests, officials announced that 30 individuals were arrested for “property damage” during demonstrations. An Associated Press journalist observed ICE agents confronting protesters and issuing warnings before departing the scene. Although Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz expressed support for law enforcement, the local police union issued a statement backing ICE amid rising tensions.

In Philadelphia, law enforcement did not interfere with the marches on Saturday. Anna, a history teacher, shared how her students’ discussions of Good’s death motivated her participation. “Most of my students are Black, and they have already experienced violence from the system, realizing there’s another layer of aggression against them,” she remarked.

Ellen, an older protester, has been advocating against ICE actions for 15 years, stemming from the agency’s targeting of local cab drivers. “They have been committing outrageous acts against our friends and neighbors for years. Now, they are killing Americans as they harass and detain innocent immigrants,” she stated.

Mary and Cara, two attendees at the morning protest, expressed horror at ICE’s actions since Trump regained power. “I’ve studied the Holocaust for as long as I can remember—this is how these things begin,” said Mary. “We become numb to the increasing chaos.”

Protesters criticized the current state of American economic policy, noting the contrast between spending on immigration enforcement and addressing citizens’ basic needs. “We should prioritize feeding and housing children before allocating funds for immigration enforcement,” advocated Cara.

This sentiment was echoed by Francesca, a member of both the national DSA and Philadelphia’s chapter. “We are witnessing cumulative crises—the genocide in Gaza, aggression against Venezuela, and state-sanctioned violence through ICE. How much can people endure?” she questioned.