[1] Early in the day on October 19, an estimated 100 activists demonstrated outside the Washington headquarters of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

Demonstrators had assembled to express a critical view of the economic and immigration policies of the United States, while chanting, "No justice, no peace!"

According to The Washington Post, "They said that much immigration to the United States was the result of harsh overseas economic policies on the part of the government, the World Bank and the IMF.

[2] Prior to the march, the organizers did not outline what specific actions would be taken,[5] nor did they indicate whether or not the group would carry weapons,[6] but encouraged participants to use "creativity" and a "diversity of tactics".

[2] The event was marred by an accident involving a female bystander, who was walking with a group of friends when she was struck in the forehead[8] by a brick thrown by a demonstrator.

[2] On October 20, 2007, approximately 500 demonstrators gathered at Franklin Square for a rally and march to the World Bank headquarters at 18th and H Streets.

The group consisted of a mix of people, including students, community activists, as well as anarchists dressed for a black bloc.