From Washington to Chicago: Trump's policies are triggering opposition throughout the US

Opposition to former President Donald Trump is growing among politicians, celebrities, and ordinary Americans, driven by his immigration policies, federal law enforcement operations, and the deployment of the National Guard to American cities.

Federal actions and controversies

Trump's administration has expanded presidential authority by ordering National Guard deployments in cities including Chicago, Portland, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Memphis. Troops were tasked with protecting federal property and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Trump described some cities as "war zones" and cited attacks on ICE facilities, even in locations where local authorities reported declining crime, according to NBC.

The administration also intensified immigration enforcement operations, such as "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago, which led to more than 1,000 arrests of migrants without legal status. Residents described the operations as targeting ordinary workers rather than criminals.

Trump and other federal officials have applied political pressure to cities. He threatened to reduce federal funding for projects in New York City and warned that the city would receive only minimal support if Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani took office. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the president's threats to jail political opponents as "yet another example of authoritarianism."

Local resistance and legal challenges

Cities have resisted through legal action, protests, and policy measures. In Chicago, Mayor Johnson vowed to use "every single tool that's available" to oppose federal actions, calling the presence of National Guard troops a "federal invasion." A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order barring the deployment, which is currently under appeal.

In Portland, Oregon, officials sued to block troop deployment, arguing it was unnecessary and unlawful. A federal judge issued a permanent injunction, stating that the president's claims of violence were "simply untethered to the facts" and that conditions for federalizing the Guard were not met. The Justice Department has appealed the ruling.

Detroit officials and community groups have also opposed federal enforcement. Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield said she did "not believe that militarizing our neighborhoods is the solution," while local organizations pushed for sanctuary city policies.

Public protests and mobilization

Protests have taken place nationwide. The "No Kings" movement drew millions to the streets of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, opposing what participants described as authoritarian policies. Protesters chanted slogans such as "Democracy not Monarchy," and veterans organized demonstrations under the banner "Vets Say No." Students, faculty, and staff at more than 100 universities rallied against federal pressure on academic institutions.

Residents and activists have also organized ICE watch groups, documented arrests, and mobilized community networks to oppose enforcement actions. Many participants said the visible presence of federal troops and ICE created fear in immigrant communities while galvanizing political activism.

Celebrity support for opposition

Several high-profile figures have publicly opposed Trump and supported anti-Trump protests. Actor Robert De Niro described Trump as a "bully" and called for people to "stand up and be counted" in nonviolent demonstrations. De Niro also compared Trump to "King George III" and said Americans must fight to protect democracy.

Other celebrities supporting the movement include Mark Ruffalo, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller, ICE T, Glenn Close, Cecily Strong, Lee Daniels, Jimmy Kimmel, and Kathy Griffin. Writers Guild of America West President Michele Mulroney urged participants at a Los Angeles rally to defend free speech and oppose efforts to silence dissent.

Legal and constitutional questions

Central to the controversy is whether presidential deployment of the National Guard in cities without state consent exceeds constitutional authority. Opponents argue the deployments are unlawful, unnecessary, and represent a threat to democracy. Legal battles in Portland and Chicago highlight the tension between federal power and local autonomy, with courts issuing injunctions and restraining orders.

The disputes reflect a broader debate over the limits of executive power, civil liberties, and the role of local governments in enforcing law and order. Legal challenges and public protests continue to shape the political landscape in US cities, turning them into focal points of resistance against perceived federal overreach.

The information and opinions presented in this article have been compiled from contributions by multiple independent agencies and sources, including, NBC, NPR, Detroit Free Press, Newsweek, BBC and the Guardian.