On Friday, approximately 60 demonstrators, including veterans and military family members, were arrested outside the U.S. Capitol after breaching a police line of bike racks and running toward the steps leading to the Capitol Rotunda. According to Capitol Police, the group advanced beyond the line, prompting immediate arrests. The protest was organized by two advocacy groups, About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace, to oppose President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles in response to anti-ICE protests. The veterans also sought to challenge the planned Saturday military parade, which is set to mark the Army’s 250th birthday and is expected to draw large crowds.
The Saturday parade, which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, has drawn mixed reactions. While the president initially threatened to use ‘very heavy force’ against protesters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later stated that the administration supports peaceful demonstrations. Another group of about 75 protesters was engaging in a peaceful sit-in outside the Supreme Court on Friday night, as reported by Capitol Police. The demonstration occurred just across the street from the Capitol, highlighting the heightened tensions in the region.
Capitol Police cited that several participants pushed down the bike rack and illegally crossed the police line, running toward the Rotunda Steps. Officers acted swiftly to contain the situation, arresting the 60 demonstrators. Among the charges, some protesters faced additional penalties, including assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. Two of those arrested were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The organizers claimed their intent was to highlight the need for increased investment in veterans’ care, health, and education rather than on costly military events.
Brittany Ramos DeBarros, an Army combat veteran and leader of About Face: Veterans Against the War, emphasized the group’s goal to shift military spending toward programs that support veterans. She stated, ‘We want a future where we invest in care for veterans, in health care, and in education, not where we spend $50 million on a parade.’ The Army’s 250th birthday celebrations are expected to include major events around the Capitol, with the military parade estimated to cost approximately $45 million. This event will feature various military units and equipment, including tanks and airplanes, drawing significant public attention.
Despite the arrests, the protest movement continues in Los Angeles, where anti-ICE demonstrations persist, even after the mayor’s curfew order. The ongoing demonstrations reflect the broader debate over immigration policy and the role of the military in domestic affairs. The situation underscores the complex interplay between public dissent, law enforcement actions, and political narratives surrounding immigration and national security.