Additional Coverage:
Los Angeles Under Curfew for Second Night Amidst Protests and Federal Presence
Los Angeles spent a second night under curfew as thousands of National Guard troops supported local law enforcement in managing ongoing protests and preventing further vandalism. Tensions remain high following immigration sweeps conducted by ICE.
A standoff occurred between protesters and law enforcement outside a federal courthouse in Santa Ana, south of Los Angeles. National Guard troops and military vehicles blocked streets near the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse. Protests also took place in other major cities, including New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Police declared an unlawful assembly outside Los Angeles City Hall Wednesday night and used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. The downtown curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and freeway ramps to the 101 remain closed.
The curfew zone affects roughly 100,000 residents. Exceptions are in place for law enforcement, emergency personnel, residents, commuters, and credentialed media.
Mayor Karen Bass reported a relatively small number of arrests, primarily for failure to disperse. One arrest involved an assault on a police officer.
Mayor Bass stated that the curfew may continue if the ICE raids and military presence persist. She is seeking to speak with President Trump about the situation.
Legal Challenges to Federal Authority
The Trump administration is challenging California’s emergency court order seeking to limit the use of National Guard troops. The Justice Department argues that the President’s authority as commander-in-chief is not subject to court review.
They assert that Governor Newsom acted illegally by not relaying the President’s order to activate the Guard. A hearing is scheduled.
Governor Newsom criticized the deployment of troops, calling it unprecedented and a threat to democracy. He accused President Trump of acting like a tyrant. Newsom’s lawsuit alleges that ICE’s actions, including detaining children and community advocates, inflamed tensions and sparked the protests.
Military Deployment and Response
Approximately 2,000 National Guardsmen are protecting federal agents, and another 2,000 have been mobilized. About 500 have been trained for immigration operations. National Guard troops have temporarily detained civilians during the protests, quickly transferring them to law enforcement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also deployed 700 Marines near Los Angeles, who are currently undergoing training. Hegseth indicated that the federalization of the National Guard could be applied in other states.
President Trump defended his actions, suggesting he can take stronger measures than previous administrations.
Investigations and Arrests
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna is investigating potential organized activity behind the crimes committed during the protests. District Attorney Nathan Hochman promised to prosecute those involved in criminal conduct, utilizing available video evidence. Charges have already been filed against two individuals for assaulting peace officers with motorcycles.
Local Perspectives and Fears
Local residents like Leticia Rhi Buckley dispute the administration’s narrative of Los Angeles being under siege, emphasizing the largely peaceful nature of the protests. Mayor Bass echoed this sentiment, rejecting the characterization of the protests as an insurrection.
Meanwhile, ICE raids continue, causing fear and stress among immigrant communities, including nannies and garment workers. Many are afraid to leave their homes, impacting their livelihoods and mental health.