An emergency curfew was imposed in downtown Los Angeles as the city faced a fifth consecutive day of protests sparked by recent federal immigration raids. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of hundreds of U.S. Marines to control the escalating unrest, triggering backlash from California state officials. Despite opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and other leaders, Trump activated 4,000 National Guard troops, asserting that the situation represented a national threat.
Trump's speech at Fort Bragg invoked military patriotism as justification, claiming that what was happening in Los Angeles was an “invasion” led by those waving foreign flags. His rhetoric and actions raised concerns about potential constitutional violations, with California's leadership quickly filing for an injunction to limit the military's involvement in local law enforcement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM, citing the need to control violence and safeguard public property. Exemptions were made for emergency personnel, residents, and journalists. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell warned that anyone violating the curfew without valid exemption would face arrest. Arrest numbers have surged as protests intensified, with over 190 detained on Tuesday alone.
The protests began following raids targeting undocumented migrants. Demonstrators, including many waving flags of Mexico and other nations, gathered outside detention centers and temporarily blocked highways. Incidents of looting were reported at major retail locations, including a downtown Apple Store.
Governor Newsom condemned the military deployment as authoritarian and warned it undermines democracy. A legal motion filed in federal court accuses Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of overstepping constitutional limits by militarizing civil unrest without declaring an insurrection. A hearing is scheduled later this week to address the case. Meanwhile, protests have spread beyond California, with large marches reported in New York City. Authorities nationwide are preparing for continued unrest as debates over immigration, federal overreach, and civil liberties dominate public discourse.
