Curfew Declared in Downtown LA Amid ICE Raid Protests; Newsom Accuses Trump of Escalation and ‘Political Theater’
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew Tuesday night over parts of downtown following days of escalating protests triggered by controversial federal immigration raids. The curfew, in effect from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, aims to quell unrest after repeated incidents of looting and vandalism.
Speaking at a press conference, Bass said the decision was made to “stop bad actors who are taking advantage of the President’s chaotic escalation.” She warned that anyone violating the curfew would be arrested and prosecuted. The protests, sparked by ICE raids, intensified after President Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the city—moves that state leaders argue have inflamed tensions.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a lawsuit against the federal government, accusing Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of using military forces to assist ICE operations without state consent. A federal judge scheduled a hearing on the matter for Thursday after denying Newsom’s initial request to block the deployment.
Newsom condemned the president’s actions during a statewide address Tuesday night, saying, “This situation was winding down…but Trump chose escalation. He chose theatrics over public safety.” The governor labeled the deployment illegal and described the raids as indiscriminate, citing reports of a pregnant U.S. citizen and a child among those detained.
Trump, defending the crackdown, claimed the federal response was vital to protecting public order, stating, “If we didn’t send out the National Guard, Los Angeles would be burning right now.” Speaking from Fort Bragg, Trump characterized the military’s presence as an effort to “defend the republic” and stop an “invasion.”
Despite Trump’s warnings, local officials and residents argue the threat has been exaggerated. While 150 arrests have been made, the unrest has remained largely contained to a small section of the downtown area. Protesters and city officials alike say the true disruption stems from federal overreach.
Chicago and other major cities have seen solidarity marches erupt in response, further nationalizing the debate around immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bass described Los Angeles as a “test case” for federal power overreach. “If they can do this here,” she warned, “they’ll try it everywhere.”
Graffiti Cleanup Underway in Downtown LA
Authorities have dispatched teams to remove widespread political graffiti following recent protests. Workers are focusing on downtown areas where slogans critical of Trump, ICE, and police have been spray-painted on buildings, sidewalks, and streets. Federal buildings were particularly affected.
On North Los Angeles Street, cleanup crews focused on the aftermath of burned Waymo self-driving vehicles, which released hazardous rare Earth materials. Tim Brevard, a local painter’s apprentice, noted that while gang graffiti is a daily issue, it has recently shifted to political messages. Los Angeles spends about $14 million annually on graffiti removal, with a 72-hour removal policy.
Origins of the Protests: Immigration Raids Spark Outrage
The unrest began in response to a series of immigration raids, including incidents at a Home Depot and a clothing factory in LA’s garment district. The Trump administration’s escalated deportation actions, including workplace and street-level arrests, triggered public anger.
Despite most protests being peaceful, Homeland Security noted a 400% increase in assaults on agents. Trump responded with the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to California—actions that drew sharp criticism and legal action from Governor Gavin Newsom.
Trump’s Response: Military Deployment and Legal Tensions
President Trump defended the troop deployment as necessary, referencing “violent, instigated riots” in LA. He has not ruled out invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow broader military use in domestic unrest. Newsom and other California officials argue the move violates constitutional boundaries and escalates tensions.
Speaker Johnson’s Controversial Remarks
House Speaker Mike Johnson added fuel to the controversy by suggesting Governor Newsom should be “tarred and feathered.” Newsom responded sarcastically on social media, accusing Republicans of advocating outdated and extreme punishments.
Where the Protests Are Happening
The protests are concentrated in a few square miles of commercial downtown LA. While the core city is affected, most of the greater metropolitan area remains calm and unaffected.
Defense Officials and Spending on Troop Deployment
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the National Guard will play a key role in future domestic security, with $134 million allocated for the current deployment in LA. Marines are also being positioned alongside the Guard, a decision Newsom called a “deranged fantasy” by Trump.
Public Reaction and Social Media Battles
Newsom and Trump aides continue sparring online. After Trump aide Stephen Miller accused Newsom of failing to act against rioters, Newsom fired back, referencing Trump’s past pardons of January 6 insurrectionists.
Civil Rights Groups Condemn Federal Actions
Groups like the NAACP and the National Urban League criticized the deployment of troops in LA, contrasting it with the lack of response during the Capitol insurrection. They argue peaceful protestors are being met with disproportionate force, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Journalists Caught in the Crossfire
Several journalists, including international reporters, were injured by rubber bullets and tear gas while covering the protests. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned these incidents as attacks on press freedom, warning against law enforcement targeting media.
CNN Reporter Detained Live On Air
CNN correspondent Jason Carroll was briefly detained by LAPD while reporting live. Officers told him not to return to the protest area or face arrest. CNN later issued a statement defending Carroll and affirming its commitment to covering the protests.
California Sues Trump Over Military Deployment
Governor Newsom filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that deploying troops to California without state consent is illegal. He called it a “test case” of federal overreach and warned that democratic checks and balances are deteriorating.
Community Voices: Fear and Survival
Local residents, including undocumented immigrants, expressed fear and anxiety over the raids and military presence. Many, like day laborer Jose Luis Valencia, are focused on finding work to support their families despite heightened tension.
LAPD Pushes Back on Federal Involvement
The LAPD criticized the deployment of federal forces, stating it could hinder local operations. Police Chief Jim McDonnell asserted that local agencies are well-equipped to handle demonstrations and that coordination is essential to avoid chaos.
Initial Protests Fueled by ICE Sweeps
The protests started after ICE conducted multiple surprise sweeps in Los Angeles, detaining over 40 individuals, including some with serious criminal records. Activists argue that day laborers and immigrants attending scheduled legal check-ins were also targeted, fueling broader community outrage.
