Los Angeles police reported a wave of arrests following five consecutive days of demonstrations sparked by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Mayor Karen Bass announced an overnight curfew covering a limited section of downtown LA, citing widespread vandalism and looting. Meanwhile, the controversial immigration raids that ignited last Friday’s protests persist, with National Guard troops now accompanying border agents during operations.
Tensions between Trump and state leaders escalated after the president deployed military personnel to LA. Trump has promised to “liberate” the city, but California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move as an attack on democratic principles.
The president justified sending 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines, claiming it was necessary to prevent the city from being “overrun by a foreign threat.” However, these troops are restricted to guarding federal assets and lack arrest powers.
Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, criticized Trump’s approach: “Once again, he opted for escalation over resolution.” He also warned that “other states could face similar actions.”
The curfew took effect at 8 PM local time on Tuesday, with police using rubber bullets to clear downtown crowds. Bass stated the measure aimed to “halt the destruction and theft,” emphasizing that the situation had reached a breaking point.
LAPD confirmed that despite the curfew, multiple groups remained gathered in the area. Prior to the enforcement, Police Chief Jim McDonnell reported 197 arrests on Tuesday, mostly for refusal to disperse.
The curfew applies to a one-square-mile zone in the nation’s second-largest city, with McDonnell clarifying that the rest of LA remained unaffected. “The scenes of chaos don’t reflect a city-wide emergency,” he said.
Protests also erupted in other major cities:
- In Atlanta, riot police deployed tear gas against demonstrators who launched fireworks at officers during a large rally.
- New York authorities arrested dozens for obstructing traffic after thousands marched through lower Manhattan.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott mobilized National Guard units to San Antonio ahead of planned immigration protests.
Bass noted that 23 businesses were looted Monday night but did not disclose estimated damages. Outside the protest zones, daily life continued—schools operated, commuters filled the streets, and tourists visited Hollywood Boulevard.
McDonnell stressed that the curfew wasn’t meant to suppress dissent but to protect lives and property. Bass blamed ICE raids in Latino neighborhoods for fueling unrest and urged the administration to halt them to restore peace.
A border agency spokesperson confirmed that National Guard troops, initially stationed at federal buildings, began supporting ICE operations Tuesday. Marines were also deployed to secure federal sites, though they cannot make arrests. The Pentagon stated the military presence would cost $134 million.
Speaking at Fort Bragg, Trump denounced the protests as a “direct attack on law and order” and vowed to deploy all available resources to end the violence. He also mocked Newsom and former President Joe Biden during his address, prompting cheers from troops.
In response, Newsom accused Trump of an “unprecedented abuse of power” by sending troops without state approval. “California is just the beginning,” he said. “Democracy itself is at stake.”
Earlier Tuesday, a federal court rejected California’s request to block the military deployment, with a hearing set for Thursday.
Trump has directed border agents to conduct at least 3,000 arrests daily, pushing his mass deportation agenda—a key re-election promise. Since taking office, his policies have significantly reduced illegal border crossings.
A pre-protest CBS News/YouGov poll showed 54% of Americans supported Trump’s deportation efforts, with 50% approving of his immigration strategy. In contrast, only 42% backed his economic policies, and 39% favored his approach to inflation.