US: Protest to denounce raids scheduled in Washington, D.C. July 16 /update 1

Event

Members of the Jewish group Never Again Action are slated to protest in Washington, D.C. against the U.S. Customs and Immigration's (ICE) ongoing undocumented migrant raids on Tuesday, July 16. The protest will take place at the National Mall beginning at 11:30 (local time), with the aim of pushing the government to close overcrowded and unsafe border facilities.

Similar demonstrations have been held in other major cities over the last several days, including in New York, Denver, and San Francisco. Protests should therefore be expected in the next several days in other major urban centers across the United States over the next several days and weeks.  

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected near all gatherings.

Context

Immigration authorities began conducting raids on July 14, in order to detain an estimated 2 000 people. The raids will specifically target undocumented families who have been issued final removal orders in the past.

President Donald Trump initially announced that the raids would take place in June. After information was leaked, they were rescheduled for July. The raids are a part of Trump's tough policies on illegal immigration.

Advice

Individuals in Washington, D.C. are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence near any demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.