ICE, datacenters, voter suppression: key issues expected to draw thousands in US to protests

Protests planned across US on immigration enforcement, voting procedures, and data center projects

Thousands of people are expected to participate in demonstrations this weekend on topics including immigration enforcement actions, election procedures, and data center development. The events are scheduled in cities, smaller towns, and rural areas.

US demonstrations have increased during President Trump’s second term, with participants citing concerns over federal immigration operations, military engagements abroad, and economic policies. Saturday’s data center protests are being organized in part by conservative groups.

Events related to immigration enforcement

More than 70 rallies are scheduled for 18 July under the banner of a National Day of Action. Organizers cite the fatal shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero by ICE agents earlier in the month. The actions include demonstrations and vigils and are backed by groups such as the Answer Coalition and 50501.

Hunter Dunn, national press coordinator for 50501, stated that participating organizations seek the removal of ICE from certain communities. Paul Ramirez of Valley Defense, which is holding an event in North Hollywood, California, said organizers are calling for arrests of the officers involved and described community reactions to the incidents.

The article does not include statements from ICE or federal authorities regarding the circumstances of the two shootings, including whether the individuals resisted or posed threats. Public details on use-of-force reviews for these cases have not been released as of publication.

Events focused on voting procedures

A coalition of groups has organized nearly 700 events over three days as part of the Good Trouble Lives On weekend of action. The program commemorates the late Representative John Lewis. Last year’s events drew tens of thousands of participants.

Organizers describe the activities as including teach-ins, voter registration drives, block parties, and community discussions on civic participation ahead of the November midterms. Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition said the goal is to train additional voting rights activists rather than only hold rallies.

Daryl Jones of the same organization said turnout could reach at least 100,000 and that the events aim to reach 250,000 people through registration and education efforts. The campaign coincides with a Supreme Court decision affecting sections of the Voting Rights Act and subsequent redistricting in some southern states, as well as the proposed Save America Act, which would restrict mail-in ballots and add identification requirements. Jones attributed recent changes to efforts targeting Black, Latino, and Native American voters.

Data center protests

Grassroots opposition to data center construction has drawn participants from both major parties. A Data Center Watch report stated that at least 75 projects valued at more than $130 billion were delayed or canceled in the first quarter of the year.

Humans First, a conservative advocacy organization, is coordinating more than 100 events in 40 states on Saturday. Chair Amy Kremer said the protests seek to give local residents, particularly conservatives, a voice in decisions about large-scale AI facilities and associated tax incentives. The group’s statements criticize the projects as examples of corporate subsidies imposed on unwilling communities.

The weekend events reflect a range of local and national organizing efforts without a single unifying leadership structure. Attendance figures and outcomes will be reported after the demonstrations conclude.