Los Angeles Mayor Lifts Curfew Following Immigration Protests

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass removed a curfew in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. The curfew had been implemented due to confrontations with law enforcement, instances of looting, and property damage that occurred during protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies in the city.

The curfew, which began on June 10th, was deemed effective in preventing and suppressing crime. Mayor Bass, a Democrat, stated it also protected local businesses, restaurants, and residents. The curfew's hours were reduced on Monday following a decrease in arrests within the affected area. The restricted zone encompassed a small portion of the city, specifically the downtown area where the incidents of looting and vandalism took place.

Mayor Bass attributed the issues to a small group of individuals who disregarded the immigrant community. This was a reference to the thousands of protesters who had been exercising their right to protest peacefully.

On June 8th, thousands of people demonstrated in response to Trump's deployment of the National Guard. Protesters blocked a major freeway, and law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs to manage the crowd. The following day, police used flash bangs and fired projectiles, pushing protesters through a busy commercial area, causing bystanders and restaurant staff to seek safety. Some protesters responded by setting off fireworks and throwing water bottles at officers, while shouting.

Trump had ordered the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the country, following protests against his intensified immigration enforcement. On Sunday, Trump instructed federal immigration officials to prioritize deportations from cities governed by Democrats. This action followed large-scale protests in Los Angeles and other major cities against his administration's immigration policies.