An uneasy calm has returned to Los Angeles after a night of unrest that followed a curfew imposed to manage protests. The protests erupted over immigration raids ordered by President Donald Trump, which have sparked anger in various communities across the city.
Since the demonstrations began, nearly 400 people have been arrested, including a significant number of undocumented migrants. Among those detained, 157 individuals were charged with serious offenses, such as assault and obstruction, with one person accused of attempting to murder a police officer. Federal prosecutors have also charged two men for throwing Molotov cocktails at police during the unrest.
In response to the escalating situation, the state has deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to help restore order. These troops are not authorized to make arrests but can detain protesters if necessary. The National Guard and Marines were initially stationed to protect federal buildings but have since shifted their focus to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during their operations in the city.
The unrest intensified after Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a curfew in a specific area of downtown, citing vandalism and looting as major concerns. The curfew went into effect at 8 PM local time and aims to prevent further violence. The police reported making "mass arrests" during the protests, with many individuals apprehended for failing to disperse or violating curfew.
As the situation unfolded, Trump defended his decision to send troops to Los Angeles, claiming it was necessary to prevent the city from being overtaken by a "foreign enemy." This statement drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused the president of escalating tensions and undermining democracy.
While protests continued in Los Angeles, other cities across the U.S. also witnessed demonstrations. In Atlanta, police used tear gas against protesters who were setting off fireworks. New York saw dozens of arrests as thousands marched through lower Manhattan, blocking traffic. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Texas, National Guard troops were deployed in anticipation of immigration rallies.
Despite the chaos, life in many parts of Los Angeles remained normal. Schools operated as usual, and tourist spots were bustling with visitors. The police chief emphasized that the curfew was not intended to silence voices but to protect lives and property.
As tensions simmer down, Mayor Bass expressed hope for a return to peace, urging the administration to reconsider the ongoing immigration raids that have triggered such unrest. The future remains uncertain as the city continues to grapple with the implications of these events and the broader national conversation about immigration and public safety.