Los Angeles is gripped by mounting unrest as hundreds of people have been arrested in recent days following large-scale immigration raids carried out by federal authorities. The protests—triggered by the arrests of undocumented individuals and intensified by the deployment of federal troops—have sparked a citywide crisis marked by curfews, legal challenges, and growing political tension.
The situation began on June 6 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched sweeping raids across key areas of Los Angeles County, including the Fashion District and Westlake. According to authorities, the operations targeted individuals with prior criminal records, but reports from legal aid groups and affected families indicate that even long-time residents and legal immigrants were among those detained.
In response, hundreds of residents took to the streets in protest, condemning what they view as aggressive and indiscriminate enforcement. Demonstrations quickly escalated, with some protesters blocking major roads and setting up burning barricades. While the majority of gatherings remained peaceful, isolated incidents involved property damage, vandalism, and clashes with law enforcement.
To contain the unrest, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass implemented a nightly curfew in downtown areas from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to assist with crowd control and enforce curfews. The federal forces were given expanded powers, including temporary civilian detainment under Title 10 of the U.S. Code—an action that immediately drew legal pushback from California officials.
Governor Gavin Newsom has since filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the military deployment, accusing the federal government of using immigration enforcement as a political weapon. “This is a clear abuse of executive power and a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state matters,” Newsom stated in a press conference.
As of Tuesday night, local authorities have confirmed nearly 400 arrests, with over 200 occurring in a single day in downtown Los Angeles. Most of those arrested are facing charges related to curfew violations and failure to disperse, although several cases involve allegations of assault and possession of improvised weapons.
The crackdown has alarmed immigrant rights advocates and civil liberties organizations, who warn that fear and confusion are spreading across communities, especially among mixed-status families. In many cases, detained individuals have not been able to contact their relatives or legal counsel, leaving families in distress and unsure of their loved ones’ whereabouts.
Economic consequences are also starting to unfold. Several businesses in the affected areas have reported significant revenue losses, with some closing temporarily due to safety concerns. Downtown business owners have described the atmosphere as tense and unpredictable, with both protests and law enforcement actions disrupting daily operations.
The situation in Los Angeles has drawn national attention, with similar demonstrations erupting in cities such as New York, Seattle, and Chicago. Local leaders across the country are calling for a reevaluation of immigration policies and a halt to what many view as politically motivated enforcement.
