Los Angeles Enforces Curfew Amid Tense Immigration Protests
For the second consecutive night, a curfew was enforced in central Los Angeles as authorities sought to contain unrest sparked by recent immigration raids.
The curfew took effect at 8:00 p.m. local time and was quickly followed by arrests, including individuals accused of curfew violations and failure to disperse. In total, nearly 400 people have been detained since the protests began several days ago, with charges ranging from immigration violations to attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Federal prosecutors have filed charges against individuals involved in violent acts, including throwing Molotov cocktails at police. To manage the escalating situation, 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been deployed, some of whom are now permitted to detain individuals until local police can process arrests.
Despite the heightened security, protests continued, with demonstrators gathering outside City Hall and other areas before being dispersed. Mayor Karen Bass defended the curfew, stating it was intended to curb vandalism and prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.
The demonstrations were triggered by immigration enforcement operations carried out in Latino neighborhoods, which many residents viewed as provocative. Officials say the situation was peaceful until last Friday, when raids led to public outrage and mass mobilization.
While some see the deployment of federal troops as necessary, others, including California’s governor and local leaders, have condemned it as an overreach of federal authority. The state is now challenging the legality of the deployment in court.
The National Guard’s role is limited to supporting federal personnel and ensuring their safety during operations. However, some troops have reportedly participated in detaining individuals at protest sites.
Tensions between the state and federal government have continued to rise, with political leaders offering opposing narratives. The president has described the protests as a threat to public order and has pledged to intensify efforts to enforce immigration laws. He also set a goal of 3,000 daily deportation arrests.
As the situation develops, public opinion remains divided. A recent poll showed modest support for the president’s immigration policies, even as criticism mounts over the use of military force in civilian areas. Local officials continue to call for calm and de-escalation as protests persist across the city.
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