Los Angeles police report making “mass arrests” following a fifth consecutive day of protests sparked by President Donald Trump’s immigration raids.
Mayor Karen Bass imposed an overnight curfew in a small section of downtown LA, citing concerns over vandalism and looting. Despite the curfew, protesters continued to gather, and officers used rubber bullets in an effort to disperse the crowds.
The protests were initially triggered last Friday when federal immigration enforcement actions escalated. These operations have continued, now backed by National Guard troops, who are assigned to protect border agents but lack the authority to make arrests themselves.
President Trump intensified tensions by deploying 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to the city, claiming the move was necessary to prevent Los Angeles from being “conquered by a foreign enemy.” His comments and actions drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused the president of launching an “assault” on democracy and warned that “other states are next.”
Newsom, considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate, criticized Trump’s approach, stating: “He again chose escalation; he chose more force.”
The curfew, which went into effect at 8:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday (03:00 GMT Wednesday), covers roughly one square mile of downtown LA. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed that 197 individuals were arrested that day alone, mostly for failing to disperse.
Mayor Bass justified the curfew as a necessary step to restore order. “We reached a tipping point,” she said. “This is about stopping the vandalism and looting.”
Although images of unrest have circulated widely, McDonnell emphasized that the situation is confined. “This is not a city-wide crisis,” he said. “Some of the imagery gives that impression, but it’s not accurate.”
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