Sen. Rogers Urges ICE Action Amid Arizona Capitol Protest

By Matthew Holoway |

On Monday night, a significant protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation unfolded in Phoenix, where demonstrators expressed their opposition to the mass deportation policies of the Trump administration. The crowd, numbering in the hundreds, descended upon the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office on Central Avenue, as well as the Capitol Museum, highlighting the contentious nature of current U.S. immigration laws.

Protesters blocked traffic while displaying provocative signs and waving Mexican flags. The event, a part of the “Day Without Immigrants” initiative, aimed to challenge the enforcement of immigration laws. Reports from AZ Central indicated several episodes of reckless driving nearby, including the detention of one individual by Arizona State Troopers after fireworks were ignited in the street. The organizers had urged participants via social media to “stand against the attacks on our communities,” asserting that “Arizona says NO to raids, NO to deportations, NO to family separation.”

Among the messages visible on protest signs were “Families belong together,” “Donald Trump is a racist to all nations,” and “No more ICE.” Some signs carried messages like “We speak for those that can’t” and “Mexicans Aren’t Going Anywhere,” reflecting the sentiments of many within the crowd.

The demonstration caused disruptions to Metro Light Rail service as protesters occupied intersections en route to Monterey Park, prompting the Phoenix Police Department to close affected areas due to what they described as “reckless and unsafe” activities.

Arizona Senator Wendy Rogers took to social media, posting a video of the gathering outside the Capitol Museum while tagging ICE in her message: “Hey @ICEgov! Right now. One-stop shop our in front of the @azcapitolmuseum.”

Independent journalist ‘The Stu Studio’ shared footage of the demonstrators chanting “Chinga La Migra,” a phrase that roughly translates to “F**k the Border Patrol,” as they stood outside the ICE field office in Phoenix. The tension surrounding the gathering underscored deep political and social divides over immigration policy.

A spokesman for the Phoenix Police, Sgt. Robert Scherer, stated that the department had anticipated the protest and had officers monitoring the event to uphold public safety. “The Phoenix Police Department respects the rights of all community members to peacefully express their first amendment rights,” he noted, while also acknowledging the coordination efforts made with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.