PROTESTS AGAINST US GOVERNMENT IMMIGRATION POLICY

Protests today, June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles (USA)

Research by Hasse-Nima Golkar
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Foreword and Background about MAGA and WOKE:
MAGA and WOKE, two terms that are very current in American socio-political and cultural debates. Here is a short and simple explanation:
1. What does MAGA mean, who are they, and what do they say in the USA?
MAGA stands for “Make America Great Again”.
• It is a political slogan that became famous when Donald Trump used it in his 2016 presidential campaign.
• It is now used as a movement or identity for many of his supporters.
Who are MAGA?
• MAGA supporters are often conservative Republicans who support Donald Trump.
• They are critical of globalism, immigration, “the elite”, and left-wing politics.
• They frequently want “traditional American values”, stronger borders, and “law and order”.
What do they say?
• They believe that the USA has lost its strength (economically, culturally, militarily) and want to “take the country back”.
• They are regularly skeptical of mainstream media and institutions like the FBI, schools, or universities – they see them as “left-leaning”.
• They may sometimes believe in conspiracy theories, such as the idea that the 2020 election was “stolen”.
MAGA – examples of opinions & actions:
The 2020 election
• MAGA supporters (including Trump) typically claim the election was “stolen”, despite no evidence.
• This led to the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters tried to stop the certification of the election results.
Immigration and Borders
• They want to build “the wall against Mexico” and reduce immigration, especially from Latin American and Islamic countries.
• Argument: protect jobs, national security, and “American culture”.
Education and History
• They are often against schools teaching something called Critical Race Theory (an academic theory about racism in structures).
• MAGA people argue that it “makes white children feel ashamed”, while critics say it is just about understanding history.
2. What does WOKE mean, what do they say?
Woke originally means to be “awake” or aware of social injustices, like racism and discrimination.
• It comes from African American culture and was originally used to encourage awareness of racism.
• Now it is more broadly used for people or groups who work for social justice – for example, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, climate issues, etc.
What do “woke” people say?
• They want to highlight and change systems that create inequality.
• They advocate for inclusion, respect, and rights for other minorities.
• They may support changing language, traditions, or behaviors that are seen as oppressive or exclusionary.
BUT – it’s also used as an insult:
• Many on the right, including MAGA supporters, use “woke” negatively.
• They believe that woke people are “too sensitive”, “exaggerating” or want to censor everything.
WOKE – examples of opinions & actions:
Transgender Rights
• The woke movement wants trans people to be able to use correct names, pronouns, and bathrooms.
• They support laws that protect gender identity in schools and workplaces.
Representation in Media
• Woke culture wants more diversity in movies, series, and advertising – that is, more women, people of color, Asians, LGBTQIA+ individuals, etc.
• Critics say it sometimes goes “too far”, e.g., when classic characters are changed just for the sake of representation.
Environment and Climate
• Woke activists support climate policies, such as reducing emissions, eating less meat, and protecting nature.
• MAGA supporters sometimes see this as “the left trying to control our lives” and destroying jobs, e.g., in the oil industry.
CONCLUSION
MAGA says:
• America must be strong again!
• Stop immigration!
• Woke is destroying traditions!
• Fake news!
WOKE says:
• America must be fair for everyone!
• Traditions sometimes need to change!
• Media must show inequality!
The protests began on Friday, June 6, 2025, after ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) carried out large-scale arrests during multiple raids in the Fashion District, Paramount, and Compton. These primarily targeted undocumented migrants and day laborers.
Over the weekend, the protests grew into anti-violence demonstrations involving civil disobedience/resistance — protesters blocked the 101 freeway, set Waymo self-driving cars on fire, and threw objects at police.
Due to some violent confrontations, Donald Trump ordered 2,000 California National Guard troops to be deployed over the weekend – a controversial move as it was done without Governor Gavin Newsom's approval.
The protests have also spread to San Francisco and other parts of California in solidarity – where similar acts of civil disobedience and arrests have been reported.
It is said that these protests may continue if ICE carries out more sweeps. Escalation or de-escalation depends on whether the federal troops' mandate remains in effect.
NO HUMAN BEING IS ILLEGAL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!
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#USA #ImmigrantsProtest #CivilResistance
#MAGA #WOKE

#Quakers condemn arrests of #activists at meeting house

March 30, 2025

"The arrests of six female supporters of activist group #YouthDemand at a Quaker meeting house have been condemned by the faith group.

"Quakers in #Britain said the arrests were the first at a meeting house and 'an aggressive violation'.

"The Metropolitan Police said six people were arrested on Thursday evening at the Westminster Meeting House on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a #PublicNuisance.

"The force said it came amid concerns there were plans to 'shut down' London during April using tactics such as road blocks.

"Youth Demand said more than 30 officers were involved with making the arrests.

"Paul Parker, of Quakers in Britain, said he could not recall anyone being arrested at a Quaker meeting house in living memory.

"'The forceful removal of young people holding a protest group meeting clearly shows what happens when a society #CriminalisesProtest.

"'#FreedomOfSpeech, assembly, and fair trials are an essential part of free public debate which underpins #democracy,' he said.

"Police said a further five arrests for the same offence were made on Friday - four at addresses in #London and one in #Exeter.

"Youth Demand, which is not affiliated with the Quakers, said the meeting was 'an opportunity to share plans for non-violent #CivilResistance actions' due to take place in April.

"The group claimed a number of houses were also raided on Thursday and Friday as part of the operation.

"Quakers in Britain said: 'Quakers support the right to non-violent public protest, acting themselves from a deep moral imperative to stand up against #injustice and for our planet.

"'Many have taken non-violent direct action over the centuries from the abolition of #slavery to women's #suffrage and prison reform.'

"The Met said the force understood the importance of the right to protest but added that Youth Demand had stated an intention to 'shut down' London in April.

"'We have a responsibility to intervene to prevent activity that crosses the line from protest into serious disruption and other criminality,' a spokesman said.

"On Thursday, officers raided a Youth Demand planning meeting where those in attendance were plotting their April action.

"Six people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.

"A further five arrests for the same offence were made on Friday, 28 March. Four of the arrests were at addresses in London and one in Exeter.

'Policing priorities'

"Out of the 11 people arrested, 10 have been released on bail and one will face no further action.

"Asked about the matter on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'I have made clear to the police this government's priorities for policing are reducing serious violence... and bringing back neighbourhood policing, those crimes in town centres like shoplifting.'

"Youth Demand, which describes itself as a 'new youth resistance campaign fighting for an end to #genocide', began carrying out acts of #CivilDisobedience last year.

"Its demands of the government include stopping all trade with #Israel and raising money from 'the #SuperRich and #Fossilfuel #elite' to pay damages for the effects of fossil fuel burning."

Read more:
https://bbc.com/news/articles/cj3x5j6g30ro
#UKPol #ThoughtCrime #CriminalizingDissent #CriminalizingActivism #PublicNuisanceLaws #Article20 #2023PublicOrderAct #Resistance #UKResistance #ProtectMotherEarth #FreePalestine #IsraeliWarCrimes