LA Enforces Curfew Amid Protests as Trump Promises to 'Liberate' the City

Mon Oct 20 2025 10:05:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tensions rise in Los Angeles as a curfew is imposed following protests against immigration raids, with President Trump vowing to take action and defend the city.

The Los Angeles police have implemented a curfew due to ongoing protests over immigration raids, which saw mass arrests and accusations of excessive force from state officials. President Trump has deployed National Guard troops, insisting it’s a necessary measure, while local leaders warn of escalating tensions and an attack on democratic processes.

As protests over President Donald Trump's immigration raids continue to unfold, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has imposed a curfew in parts of downtown to curb vandalism and looting. After a week of unrest, Mayor Karen Bass determined that swift action was necessary to restore order, stating, "We reached a tipping point." The curfew began at 8:00 PM local time, coinciding with ongoing demonstrations that have led to mass arrests; nearly 200 arrests occurred just on Tuesday.

Protests erupted last Friday after news of the immigration raids began to circulate, culminating in escalating tensions between Trump's administration and California officials. In response to the unrest, Trump has deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and Marine units, aimed at supporting federal agents in their enforcement operations. The president asserts that these measures are vital to protect the city from what he calls a "foreign enemy." However, his actions have been met with strong criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who labeled the deployment an "assault" on democracy.

The LAPD has resorted to using rubber bullets to disperse crowds in downtown LA, as large groups continue to defy the curfew. As night fell, police reported that several crowds remained active despite the curfew, prompting further intervention. Meanwhile, sounds of chaos echoed in other cities across the U.S., including Atlanta and New York, where riot police faced off against demonstrators in volatile situations.

Governor Newsom has condemned Trump's aggressive strategies, warning that unless the immigration raids cease, other states may face similar escalations. Reports have indicated that the city's businesses have suffered from violent demonstrations, with 23 establishments being looted recently. However, despite the turmoil in parts of the city, life continues elsewhere in LA, with schools operating and tourists visiting popular areas.

The military presence has drawn criticism from various quarters, as many believe that such actions could lead to a further breakdown in relations between state and federal governments. Addressing the military, Trump portrayed the protesters as unruly, suggesting they pose a significant threat to peace. As tension heightens, attention remains focused on the implications this unrest could have on the broader political landscape and future governance.

A federal court has recently denied an emergency request from California to halt the military's involvement, and as Trump pushes for increased enforcement in his immigration policy, public opinion remains divided on his handling of these tense situations. As the situation evolves, many are left to ponder the potential ramifications for democracy and peace in California and beyond.