By Ethan Caldwell 
Los Angeles, CA –Mayor Karen Bass has declared a local emergency and imposed an overnight curfew in downtown Los Angeles, effective from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Tuesday, in response to escalating protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The curfew, covering a one-square-mile area of downtown, aims to curb vandalism and looting following five days of unrest that have seen 197 arrests on Tuesday alone, up from 114 on Monday, 40 on Sunday, and 27 on Saturday.
The protests, sparked by ICE operations targeting undocumented immigrants across Southern California, have led to significant disruptions, including the looting of 23 businesses on Monday night, widespread graffiti, and violent clashes with law enforcement. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the curfew as a “necessary measure to protect lives and safeguard property,” emphasizing that it is not intended to silence peaceful demonstrators. Exemptions apply to residents, workers, emergency personnel, and credentialed media within the curfew zone.
“We have reached a tipping point,” Mayor Bass said at a Tuesday evening press conference. “Violence and looting undermine our efforts to protect families and create chaos. Those breaking the law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent.” Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman echoed this stance, warning vandals and thieves of severe consequences.
The unrest follows ICE raids that have arrested over 100 individuals since June 6, with federal agents facing attacks, including projectiles and barricades, prompting the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have criticized the federal response, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s unilateral deployment of troops, which they call a “brazen abuse of power.” A federal judge denied California’s request for an emergency restraining order on Tuesday, with a hearing scheduled for June 12.
Local officials, including Mayor Bass and Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons, have expressed frustration over ICE’s lack of communication, citing California’s sanctuary laws as a barrier to coordination. This has left local police unprepared, with Chief McDonnell noting that the LAPD responded within 38 minutes to federal calls for assistance, despite ICE claims of delays.
While most protests have been peaceful, with thousands rallying against ICE operations, some have turned violent, with reports of “habitual agitators” exploiting the demonstrations. Social media posts on X have amplified tensions, with unverified claims of “paid agitators” and foreign flags fueling misinformation. Mayor Bass has called such allegations “absurd,” urging focus on protecting communities rather than spreading divisive rhetoric.
The curfew is expected to continue for several nights as protests show no signs of abating, with demonstrations spreading to cities like Seattle, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Los Angeles leaders are calling for calm and urging residents to avoid downtown unless necessary, as the city braces for further unrest.
Andreas Lundberg 
Emma Whitaker