Los Angeles Imposes Downtown Curfew as Protests Over Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Turn Violent
LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 – President Donald Trump’s tough immigration crackdown has triggered a wave of unrest in Los Angeles, leading Mayor Karen Bass to announce a nightly curfew in part of the downtown area. The curfew, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting June 10, was imposed after growing tensions between protesters and police led to property damage and over 150 arrests in a single night.
Protests erupted on June 6 following a series of ICE raids targeting neighborhoods with large Latino communities, including Westlake and Paramount. These operations resulted in 118 arrests, including a mass arrest at one workplace. Outrage spread quickly, with demonstrations now seen in other cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Protesters have blocked roads, including the 101 Freeway, and set fire to autonomous vehicles. Damage to businesses has already cost millions.
In response, President Trump ordered 4,000 National Guard members and 700 U.S. Marines into Los Angeles—an action condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass, who called the move unlawful and excessive. Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployment, calling it a misuse of military force aimed at nonviolent individuals. A federal court has set a hearing for Thursday regarding the issue, though California’s plea for an immediate suspension was turned down.
While the demonstrations began calmly, tensions escalated as the weekend progressed. Police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets, while some demonstrators fought back with fireworks and rocks. The FBI is now looking for a suspect, Elpidio Reyna, accused of attacking a federal officer, and has offered a $50,000 reward. Several protesters are facing federal charges, and more legal action is expected.
Mayor Bass condemned the violence but emphasized that it was limited to a small part of downtown. She urged calm and questioned the presence of military forces, calling the situation an experiment in intimidation. California’s Attorney General also criticized the federal government, saying it is violating state authority by deploying troops without consent.
Meanwhile, the White House defended the decision. Advisor Stephen Miller called the demonstrations a “violent uprising,” and President Trump has hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act—a law that would give him greater military powers, last used during the 1992 L.A. riots. A recent YouGov poll showed public opinion divided, with 45% against the military deployment and 38% in favor. However, 54% still support Trump’s broader immigration enforcement measures.
As the National Guard presence grows and Marines arrive on June 12, Los Angeles remains tense. Mayor Bass said the curfew might be extended, while state officials are encouraging peaceful protests and cleanup efforts to restore order.
