Long Beach 'No Sleep for ICE' Protest Draws 60 Demonstrators to Downtown Hotel

Long Beach, California – Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Residence Inn in Downtown Long Beach on Wednesday night, August 20, 2025, in a demonstration dubbed “No Sleep for ICE.” The action was initiated over allegations that approximately 40 federal immigration agents were staying at the hotel while conducting raids throughout the region. The protest aimed to disrupt the agents' rest and pressure the hotel to cease housing them.

Participants, numbering around 60, employed a variety of noisemakers including car horns, bullhorns, sirens, pots, and pans, cutting through the night air. Protester Mayely C. articulated the group's resolve, stating, > "We can't stay quiet. We're just here to fight. If we don't do it, nobody else will." Demonstrators believe the federal raids are unconstitutional and seek to make the agents' presence in the city untenable.

The protest followed recent immigration enforcement actions in Long Beach, including raids on two local car washes days prior where at least nine individuals were reportedly apprehended. Local officials, including Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, have publicly denounced these actions. Mayor Richardson's office indicated it is working with the City Attorney to explore legal recourse against the federal government for alleged violations of a court order.

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) responded to the scene with at least eight squad cars, blocking hotel driveways and Queensway Drive, and stated their support for peaceful protest while ensuring community safety. However, a tweet from Mike Netter criticized the LBPD, stating they > "refused to serve or protect the community and allowed backers of criminals to disrupt residents of a hotel and the community." Netter further suggested the Department of Justice should > "stop funding the Long Beach police, until they agree to uphold their oath and keep the peace."

The "No Sleep for ICE" campaign is part of a broader tactic observed across the Los Angeles County area, where activists target hotels believed to be housing federal agents. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson, commenting on similar demonstrations, asserted that such protests are "fueled by a disinformation campaign." The hotel's General Manager, Mark Hammerbeck, declined to confirm or deny the presence of federal agents.