Protests Erupt at ICE Offices in Chantilly, Cedar Rapids Amid Rising Arrests

In 2025, protests have surged against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over alleged inhumane treatment of detainees, including claims of deprivation of food, water, sleep, and medical care at the Chantilly, Virginia, ICE Field Office. ICE arrests in Virginia have reportedly increased by 470% from 2024 to 2025. Concurrently, community members and activists have rallied outside the Department of Homeland Security's Cedar Rapids, Iowa office to support immigrant families attending ICE check-ins, with groups such as Escucha Mi Voz accompanying immigrants to these appointments to prevent detentions. At a recent protest in Cedar Rapids, volunteers provided support and safety for families, and speeches were delivered by clergy and local politicians advocating for immigration reform. Immigration law experts have noted that while some immigrants attending check-ins were detained, others were released, highlighting ongoing tensions around federal immigration enforcement policies this year. These coordinated demonstrations underscore growing public concern over ICE practices and the treatment of immigrants nationwide.