Los Angeles Enforces Second Night Curfew Amid Ongoing Immigration Protests

The curfew, aimed at suppressing unrest linked to recent immigration raids, has led to numerous arrests and increased tensions between state and federal authorities.

A curfew was imposed in downtown Los Angeles for a second consecutive night following days of unrest sparked by U.S. immigration raids that have left many residents feeling fearful and anxious. Authorities reported numerous arrests shortly after the curfew began at 8:00 PM local time, with almost 400 individuals detained since protests commenced on Friday. Among those arrested, many were undocumented migrants, while others faced charges related to violence, including one instance of attempted murder against a police officer.

The deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines is aimed at restoring order, with some National Guard members authorized to detain individuals until police can handle arrests. Mayor Karen Bass has stated that the city reached a "tipping point" of unrest due to the raids ordered by President Trump, which she argues have incited fear among residents. During a recent press conference, she indicated that the protests were triggered by the "chaotic escalation" of federal immigration policy and urged the administration to end such raids.

While the curfew affects a relatively small area of the city, Mayor Bass defended the action as necessary to curb vandalism and looting. Nonetheless, police emphasized that the unrest has been localized, in contrast to the image of a city-wide crisis portrayed in some media reports. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi recognized that the curfew has "helped a bit," while immigration raids continue in the area supported by National Guard troops, who are present primarily for protection of federal personnel conducting operations.

Tensions intensified as President Trump vowed to "liberate" LA, drawing criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who decried the federal troop deployment as an "assault" on democracy. The governor and other officials have insisted that local law enforcement can manage the situation without federal assistance, igniting a continued debate about the legality and appropriateness of the military's involvement in civil unrest management.

During a recent military address, Trump characterized the protests as a "full-blown assault on peace," pledging to use all available resources to restore order, creating an even more polarized dialogue surrounding his administration's immigration policies. As deportation initiatives escalate with a target of 3,000 daily arrests, public opinion remains divided; a recent CBS News survey indicated that 54% of Americans supported Trump's deportation policy, even as recent protests suggest growing unrest and dissatisfaction.