After several nights of unrest, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took action on Tuesday. She declared a local emergency and imposed a downtown curfew.
“I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting,” she said.
According to her, the curfew would begin at 8 p.m. Tuesday and end at 6 a.m. Wednesday. It covers a one-square-mile area. She also mentioned the curfew may remain for several days.
I guess all the “peacefulness” is out of control in LA. Mayor Bass has just imposed a curfew on Los Angeles to manage the looting, arson, and vandalism. pic.twitter.com/0pxS8FS4F1
— Chris Braly (@chrisbraly) June 11, 2025
Protests Begin in LA, Then Spread Nationwide
Initially, protests began in Los Angeles in response to aggressive ICE raids. Soon after, the demonstrations expanded to cities like Seattle, Austin, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Protesters marched with anti-ICE signs, chanted slogans, and blocked traffic near federal buildings.
Although many of these protests remained peaceful, some turned violent. As a result, police used chemical agents and made arrests. Additionally, protesters confronted officers in New York City, San Francisco, and Santa Ana following more immigration raids.
Let me be clear: ANYONE who vandalized Downtown or looted stores does not care about our immigrant communities.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) June 10, 2025
You will be held accountable.
Trump Expands Military Role in LA
In response to the escalating unrest, President Donald Trump ordered nearly 5,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles.
At first, their job was to protect federal buildings. However, by Tuesday, they began assisting immigration officers during arrests. For instance, photos shared by ICE showed troops visibly guarding agents during operations. Moreover, ICE confirmed their expanded duties.
“National Guard troops are providing security at federal facilities and protecting federal officers who are out on daily enforcement operations,” ICE said.
Additionally, troops are helping with transportation. They can also temporarily detain anyone who assaults an officer, though law enforcement still makes the arrests.
Governor Newsom Challenges Federal Action
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke out against Trump’s actions. He said the president is “pulling a military dragnet” across Los Angeles.
Soon after, he filed an emergency motion in federal court to stop the military’s involvement in immigration duties. He also warned that Trump’s orders are fueling fear. According to him, not only criminals but also “dishwashers, gardeners, day labourers and seamstresses” are being detained.
Furthermore, he cautioned that the troop deployment could increase civil unrest.
Marine Deployment Triggers More Protests
As more U.S. Marines arrived in LA on Tuesday, protests grew even stronger. Democratic leaders reacted with alarm. For example, Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla issued a joint statement, “Active-duty military personnel should only be mobilised domestically during the most extreme circumstances, and these are not them.”
Violence Erupts in Texas Demonstrations
Elsewhere, protests in Texas also intensified. On Monday night, police in Dallas and Austin clashed with demonstrators near the State Capitol. Officers used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
White House Defends Military Response
Despite criticism, the Trump administration defended its actions. According to U.S. Northern Command, conditions in Los Angeles are worsening.
Therefore, troops are now guarding federal buildings, setting up checkpoints, and preparing fast-response teams for emergencies. In addition, they are ready to support the National Guard if larger protests break out.