A significant number of arrests occurred on Tuesday as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took action following local protests against attacks related to immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mayor Karen Bass (D-Calif) initiated a city-wide curfew to help manage the situation.
Officials have set restrictions for the downtown Los Angeles area from 8pm to 6am, after nearly 200 protesters were detained during the day.
In a press release, Bass stated that the curfew was necessary to “control bad actors who don’t support the immigrant community.”
“If you do not live or work in downtown LA, please avoid the area. Law enforcement will apprehend anyone who violates the curfew, and you will face charges,” the mayor emphasized.
This announcement came after Marines and National Guard troops were deployed to ensure security in response to protesters having vandalized federal buildings and set vehicles on fire during the demonstrations.
Authorities estimate that the damages caused by the protests could reach “millions.”
To prevent further destruction, 100 National Guard soldiers have been stationed in downtown to safeguard federal properties, with an additional 100 assigned to federal sites in the Westwood area.
Early Wednesday, Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) amid the ongoing protests.
“The ineffective governor of California failed to provide timely protection when our ICE officers, who are truly dedicated, were attacked by a chaotic mob,” he remarked.
His comments followed Newsom’s criticism of the president for deploying troops, labeling it a misuse of power that exacerbates an already volatile situation.
“This reckless action puts our citizens, officers, and National Guard in jeopardy,” Newsom stated, sharing his thoughts on social media along with a video message.
Both Bass and Newsom have called on the Trump administration to withdraw federal troops, arguing that their presence only heightens tension and confusion.
“To restore peace in our cities, I urge the administration to cease this aggression,” Bass told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.
