Curfew enforced in Los Angeles after days of demonstrations

(MENAFN) A curfew has been put in place in downtown Los Angeles after several days of rioting and looting triggered by immigration enforcement actions. The curfew, effective from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., will last several days, with police authorized to arrest anyone who breaks it, Mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday. The measure was taken after a surge in unrest, including the looting of 23 businesses the night before.

The restricted area spans about one square mile, bounded by major freeways 5, 110, and 10. Exemptions apply to local residents, emergency workers, journalists, and homeless individuals, according to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, who called the curfew necessary to protect lives and property.

The disturbances began Friday night following federal immigration raids under President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Over 350 arrests have been made, including 197 on Tuesday, while crowds continue to gather.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials condemned the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to control the unrest, calling it unlawful and an authoritarian move. Trump, however, defended his actions, promising to restore order and safety in Los Angeles during a visit to North Carolina.

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