Immigration Raids Protests in Los Angeles: A Week of Chaos and Unrest
Protests persist in Los Angeles, fuelled by recent immigration raids, resulting in ongoing citywide curfews
Los Angeles is in the grips of a tense standoff between protesters, authorities, and the federal government, following the Trump administration's controversial immigration raids.
For the seventh consecutive day, protests have erupted in the Californian city, resulting in a curfew being imposed on downtown Los Angeles for a second night. The curfew was enforced after a week of clashes between protesters and authorities, with over 20 people detained on the first night, mainly for curfew violations.
On the second night of the curfew, demonstrations in the city's civic center took a chaotic turn as police clashed with protesters. Riot police, many on horseback, charged at a group of demonstrators. Police used projectiles to disperse hundreds of protesters.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed concerns that the situation could escalate further. "If there are raids that continue, if there are soldiers marching up and down our streets, I would imagine that the curfew will continue," she stated.
As of now, over 400 people have been arrested by Los Angeles police since Saturday, the majority for violating the curfew or movement restrictions. Three individuals have been charged for gun possession, a Molotov cocktail, and assault against a police officer.
Mayor Bass accused President Trump of "provoking residents" with his immigration raids. She argued that the demonstrations were a response to the federal government's attempt to "take over power from a local government."
Meanwhile, dozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles area have jointly demanded an end to the immigration raids. However, Trump has shown no sign of heeding these pleas. Approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been deployed by the President to quell the unrest, despite opposition from California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom.
Around 500 of the National Guard troops in LA have been trained to accompany immigration agents during raids. Major General Scott Sherman confirmed that a ramp-up in military involvement is expected.
The city of Spokane in eastern Washington has also declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in certain areas after more than 30 arrests during anti-ICE protests. Large groups of protesters gathered in the city's streets, carrying signs and blocking roads outside an ICE facility. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement have been reported.
Demonstrations have also spread to other cities such as Dallas, Austin in Texas, and Chicago, resulting in more arrests and clashes with law enforcement. In Texas, Republican Governor Greg Abbott's office has stated that Texas National Guard troops are "on standby" in areas where demonstrations are planned.
Sherman noted that protests are being discussed across the nation. "I'm focused right here in LA, what's going on right here. But you know, I think we're, we're very concerned." Activists in cities across the US have announced plans for larger demonstrations in the coming days.
Sources:
- LA imposes downtown curfew as Newsom criticises Trump
- Trump deploys more troops to Los Angeles as protests intensify
- At least 27 arrested as Los Angeles protests against ICE immigration raids escalate
- The ongoing immigration raids and protests in Los Angeles have led to a surge in focus on policy-and-legislation related to immigration, particularly from politicalCommentators.
- Amidst the chaos of war-and-conflicts in the city, there's been a significant rise in general-news coverage of car-accidents and crime-and-justice incidents that have occurred during the nighttime curfew hours.
- The escalation of protests against the immigration raids has spilled over into other cities, sparking debates and discussions on politics and the balance of power between federal and local governments.
