Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced an emergency curfew in the city center, set to begin on Wednesday from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., following days of protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented migrants.
Speaking at a press conference, Bass said the curfew is expected to last for several days. “I will consult tomorrow with elected officials and law enforcement leaders about whether the curfew should continue, but we definitely expect it to remain in place for a few days,” she stated.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the curfew as a “necessary measure to protect lives and property,” citing increasing unrest across the city in recent days.
The developments come as part of a broader crackdown launched by President Donald Trump since taking office in January, aimed at curbing illegal immigration. According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE operations in Los Angeles last week led to the arrest of dozens of foreign nationals.
In response to the protests, Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, along with 700 Marines. On Tuesday, he declared that the military “will remain in Los Angeles until peace prevails,” amid growing criticism of the decision to deploy federal forces in California.
