Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has implemented a curfew for downtown areas as a measure to curb vandalism and looting. The curfew, which has been enforced from 8pm on Tuesday until 6am on Wednesday, follows a declaration of local emergency that Bass announced during a news conference. The affected area spans a 2.59 square kilometre zone of downtown, where protests have been taking place since the previous Friday.
The mayor indicated that the recent unrest, which resulted in 23 businesses being looted, indicated a significant escalation in violence. This decision coincided with the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, who have expanded their role to assist immigration agents during arrests. Previously, the troops’ activities were limited to protecting federal properties, but now they are also tasked with ensuring security during enforcement operations.
Photos released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) show National Guard personnel securing the area as arrests were made. ICE confirmed that the troops are aiding in providing protection at federal sites and supporting officers engaged in daily enforcement activities. This shift allows the National Guard to potentially become involved in law enforcement actions, including deportations, as part of the broader immigration strategy promised by the Trump administration.
This situation remains fluid, and further updates are anticipated.