LA Police Make Mass Arrests Amid Curfew as Trump Vows to ‘Liberate’ the City Over Immigration Raids
Los Angeles police confirmed mass arrests after a fifth consecutive day of protests sparked by President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement. The demonstrations erupted in response to sweeping ICE raids across Latino neighborhoods in the city.
Mayor Karen Bass imposed an overnight curfew across a portion of downtown LA, citing growing concerns over vandalism, looting, and public safety. “We reached a tipping point,” she said. The curfew affects a one-square-mile area of the city and came into effect Tuesday night at 8:00 PM local time.
Tensions escalated as President Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, claiming the city risked being “conquered by a foreign enemy.” The president’s move has drawn fierce criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called it an “assault on democracy” and a “brazen abuse of power.”
Although the troops have no arrest authority, they have been ordered to protect federal property and assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during ongoing deportation operations. A Pentagon spokesperson said the military deployment to the LA region is expected to cost $134 million.
Governor Newsom warned that California might only be the beginning. “Other states are next. Democracy is under assault right before our eyes,” he said.
Curfew Enforcement and Protests Turn Chaotic in Downtown LA
As the curfew took effect, LAPD officers moved into protest zones in downtown LA, using rubber bullets to disperse remaining crowds. The department reported that multiple protest groups remained active even after the curfew began. By Tuesday evening, nearly 200 people had been arrested, adding to the dozens detained in earlier demonstrations.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that the curfew was not meant to silence peaceful protestors but was necessary to “save lives and safeguard property.” According to the mayor, at least 23 businesses were looted on Monday night, although no official damage estimate has been released.
Nationwide Protests Erupt Amid ICE Raids and Military Deployments
The immigration crackdown that began last Friday continues to fuel unrest nationwide:
- In Atlanta, riot police used tear gas after protesters launched fireworks at officers.
- In New York City, dozens were arrested for blocking traffic in Lower Manhattan.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent National Guard troops to San Antonio in anticipation of immigration rallies.
Back in LA, the protests have unfolded against a backdrop of routine city life, with schools in session, tourists on Hollywood Boulevard, and rush-hour traffic crowding the streets.
Trump Faces Backlash, But Polls Show Divided Public Opinion
Addressing troops at Fort Bragg, President Trump characterized the unrest as “a full-blown assault on peace and public order.” He vowed to use “every asset at our disposal” to quell the violence, and went as far as to encourage troops to boo Governor Newsom and former President Joe Biden.
Despite the backlash, a CBS News/YouGov poll conducted prior to the protests showed 54% of Americans supporting Trump’s immigration policies, with 50% approving of his handling of border enforcement. However, lower approval ratings were reported for his economic and inflation strategies.
A federal court denied an emergency injunction from California aimed at blocking the military deployment, but a follow-up hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Trump has reportedly ordered ICE to ramp up daily deportation targets to 3,000 arrests per day as part of his re-election campaign’s hardline immigration agenda. Since taking office, his administration has driven illegal border crossings to historic lows.
