60 Veterans Arrested During Anti‑ICE Protest at U.S. Capitol/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ About 60 veterans and military family members were arrested after breaching a police barricade during an anti‑ICE sit‑in at the U.S. Capitol. The demonstrators oppose President Trump’s use of the National Guard and a costly military parade. Organizers say funding should be redirected toward veterans’ healthcare, education, and community support.
Veterans Arrested in Capitol Sit‑In: Quick Facts
- Roughly 60 veterans arrested after crossing barricades and entering a police perimeter near the Capitol Rotunda.
- Protesters from About Face and Veterans for Peace staged the sit‑in, opposing ICE raids and the $45 million military parade.
- Charges include unlawful demonstration, crossing police lines, and some face assault or resisting arrest.
- Two hospitalized following confrontations with police during the arrests.
- Veterans advocate redirecting funds toward care and education instead of military displays.
- Protest stemmed from opposition to National Guard/Military in Los Angeles and Washington’s parade on Trump’s birthday.
- About 75 began peacefully at the Supreme Court before marching to the Capitol.
- Heavy security remains in place ahead of the Army’s 250th‑anniversary parade.
60 Veterans Arrested During Anti‑ICE Protest at U.S. Capitol
Deep Look
Veterans Lead Anti‑ICE Protest at Capitol
On Friday evening, about 75 protesters—including veterans and military families—gathered near the U.S. Capitol to peacefully protest President Trump’s deployment of guard troops in Los Angeles and planned military parades in Washington. Campaigning under banners such as “Vets Say Military off our Streets,” the group chanted for a shift in spending toward veteran services and local communities.
Escalation and Arrests
The protest escalated when roughly 60 participants dismantled bike‑rack barricades, advancing up the Capitol steps toward the Rotunda. Capitol Police responded by arresting nearly all marchers, citing violations of demonstration laws and police line intrusions. Some protesters face additional charges for allegedly assaulting officers or resisting arrest.
Medical Care and Charges
Two detained individuals were transported to area hospitals. All arrestees will face charges of unlawful demonstration and crossing police barriers. Some may incur more serious allegations.
Organizers Demand Change
Sponsored by About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace, organizers highlighted that taxpayer funds should support veteran health, education, and community infrastructure instead of military spectacles. “We want a future where we invest in care for veterans… not where we spend $50 million on a parade,” said About Face’s Brittany Ramos DeBarros, an Army combat veteran.
Tensions Surrounding Military Parade
The protest coincides with heightened security ahead of a massive military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. The $45 million event—including tanks and aircraft—has drawn criticism for costing and politicizing the military. Police are on high alert given the large crowds expected for Saturday’s event.
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