ESL Debate Speaking Practice – ICE protests in the USA, june 2025

Level: B2+

ICE Protests in the USA – Debate Points – Worksheet 1

PROS

1. Encourages civic participation and shows that people care enough to demand change.
2. Demonstrations often lead to policy debates, government responses, or even new laws.
3. Brings together diverse groups who may not otherwise collaborate.
4. Builds long-term social and political networks for future organizing.
5. Strengthens local community organizing and grassroots power.
6. Engages younger generations in politics and activism.
7. Strengthens the movement for comprehensive immigration reform, including paths to citizenship and fairer visa processes.
8. ICE should not be allowed to detain people without due process.
9. The National Guard should not be used to suppress peaceful protests.

CONS

1. Peaceful protesters often face tear gas, arrests, or force due to the actions of a small group.
2. Some individuals or organized groups use protests as cover for looting or vandalism, with no real political motive.
3. Many business owners lose inventory, windows, and months of income, and some never reopen.
4. Protests can sometimes escalate into clashes with law enforcement or counter-protesters, leading to injuries or property damage.
5. Many people, including those sympathetic to the cause, become confused or alienated when protests turn destructive.
6. Insurance doesn’t always cover the full damage — especially in underinsured neighborhoods.
7. Looting and destruction can drown out the original message of the protest.
8. Media and public attention often shift from the reasons people protested to the violence that occurred.
9. This weakens public support for reform and gives critics ammunition.

Note! Distinguishing between peaceful protesters, agitators, and opportunistic looters is crucial for understanding what really happened.