Los Angeles police arrested over 20 people on the first night of a newly implemented downtown curfew aimed at controlling protests against President Trump’s immigration policies.
At a Glance
- Over 20 people were arrested in Los Angeles, mostly for violating the newly implemented downtown curfew
- The curfew was established to prevent vandalism and theft after five consecutive days of protests
- Similar immigration policy protests have spread to other major cities including Dallas, Austin, Chicago, and New York
- 2,000 National Guard soldiers have been deployed in LA, with 700 Marines expected to join soon
- Two individuals face charges for throwing Molotov cocktails at police during the LA protests
Curfew Enforcement and Arrests
Law enforcement officers in downtown Los Angeles made over 20 arrests on the first night of a newly implemented curfew. The majority of these arrests were for curfew violations as protesters continued demonstrations against President Trump’s immigration policies. Police equipped with crowd-control projectiles were deployed throughout the downtown area to maintain order and disperse crowds that remained after curfew hours. The curfew was established following five consecutive days of protests that had increasingly led to concerns about vandalism and property damage.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that approximately 200 arrests had been made on Tuesday related to the protests, with numbers continuing to rise as demonstrations persisted. Authorities maintained a strong presence in the downtown area, with officers in riot gear positioned at strategic locations to prevent protesters from gathering in large numbers after dark. The enforcement of the curfew represents an escalation in tactics as local officials attempt to regain control of city streets.
Military and National Guard Deployment
In response to the growing unrest, approximately 2,000 National Guard soldiers have been deployed throughout Los Angeles, with reports indicating that 700 Marines will soon join them. This significant military presence has become a point of political contention, with California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticizing President Trump for creating what he described as a “military dragnet” across Los Angeles. The governor has reportedly sought court intervention to prevent military assistance to federal immigration enforcement agents.
The deployment represents one of the largest military presences in Los Angeles since previous civil unrest incidents. National Guard members have been stationed at government buildings, commercial districts, and other potential targets for vandalism. Their presence has been described by federal officials as necessary to maintain public safety, while critics have characterized it as an excessive show of force that heightens tensions rather than reduces them.
Nationwide Spread of Protests
What began as localized demonstrations in Los Angeles has expanded into a nationwide movement, with similar protests occurring in Dallas, Austin, Chicago, and New York City. Authorities in New York reported 86 individuals were taken into custody during protests there, while Chicago and various Texas cities have also experienced demonstrations that have led to arrests. The coordinated nature of these protests suggests an organized response to the administration’s immigration enforcement actions.
The most serious incidents have involved violence against law enforcement, with two individuals in Los Angeles facing charges for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers. President Trump has characterized the protesters as “animals” and compared them to a “foreign enemy” in public statements addressing the situation. These remarks have further inflamed tensions between protesters and administration supporters.
Immigration Enforcement Continues
The protests were triggered by federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, which have continued throughout the county despite the demonstrations. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have reportedly caused significant concern in immigrant communities, with some schools increasing security at graduation ceremonies over fears of potential ICE action during these events. The ongoing enforcement activities have maintained the momentum of protests despite the implementation of curfews.
Federal authorities have defended the immigration operations as necessary enforcement of existing laws, while local officials in Los Angeles and other cities have expressed concern about the methods and timing of the enforcement actions. Community organizations have established networks to alert residents about immigration enforcement activities and provide legal assistance to those affected by the operations.
