Curfew in Los Angeles as Protests Intensify

As demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown entered their fifth day, Los Angeles officials imposed a curfew in the downtown area on Tuesday. The move came amid growing tensions over the deployment of National Guard troops, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to accuse Trump of creating a “military dragnet” across the nation’s second-largest city.

Newsom filed an emergency motion in court seeking to block military personnel from assisting federal immigration agents, expressing concern that the presence of National Guard members—now shielding agents during arrests—could escalate unrest. A judge declined to issue an immediate ruling, allowing these activities to continue until a scheduled hearing on Thursday.

The increased military involvement brings troops closer to law enforcement actions, including potential deportations—an approach Trump has vowed to implement. While the National Guard can temporarily detain those who attack officers, only law enforcement agencies can carry out formal arrests.

Despite opposition from local and state leaders, Trump has activated over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, although Marines have yet to be deployed in Los Angeles. Initially, the Guard’s mission was to protect federal buildings, but their role may expand.

As the citywide curfew took effect at 8 p.m., police helicopters issued warnings for demonstrators to vacate the area near key federal buildings that have become protest focal points. Mounted riot police and officers on foot moved to disperse the crowd of several hundred, some of whom scattered while others regrouped and continued protesting.

City officials said the curfew—enforced until 6 a.m. Wednesday—was necessary to prevent vandalism and looting by agitators. The restricted zone spans roughly one square mile of downtown Los Angeles, an area that has seen near-constant protests since Friday.

Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency after reports of looting at 23 businesses. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell clarified that the curfew exempts local residents, the homeless, credentialed journalists, and emergency personnel.

“Since Saturday, we’ve seen a disturbing escalation of unlawful and dangerous behavior,” McDonnell said, calling the curfew a “necessary step to protect lives and property.”

Protests, sparked by a wave of federal immigration raids in the city, have spread to other major U.S. cities, including Dallas, Austin, Chicago, and New York. In Austin, Texas, police used chemical irritants on demonstrators, and National Guard units have been placed on standby across multiple locations in the state.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that domestic deployment of military personnel may expand further. According to the Pentagon, the current military operation—including the National Guard and Marines—has cost $134 million.

President Trump has not ruled out invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to deploy the military to quell domestic unrest. Speaking from the Oval Office, he said, “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We’ll see.”

Later, in a speech at Fort Bragg marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, Trump described protesters as “animals” and “a foreign enemy,” prompting backlash from California officials.

Governor Newsom, speaking Tuesday evening, called Trump’s actions an “assault on democracy” and warned other states could soon face similar interventions. “What Donald Trump wants most is your silence. Do not give it to him,” he said.

The protests began after federal agents detained dozens of workers in workplace immigration raids across Los Angeles. Demonstrators blocked a major freeway and set vehicles ablaze over the weekend, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades.

While most rallies have remained peaceful—especially those outside City Hall and near a federal detention center—Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity continues throughout the city, even at locations like libraries and hardware stores. Some schools increased security at graduation ceremonies, allowing parents to attend virtually out of fear of ICE presence.

Police reported 197 arrests on Tuesday, including 67 individuals detained for occupying a section of the 101 freeway. Other arrests involved charges ranging from vandalism and looting to attempted murder for throwing a Molotov cocktail. Seven police officers were injured, two of whom were briefly hospitalized, reports UNB.