Los Angeles Extends Night Curfew as Immigration Protests Continue and Tensions Rise

Protests Intensify Over Immigration Raids and Military Presence

Los Angeles remains at the center of a growing wave of protests sparked by recent immigration raids, as city officials confirm that the overnight curfew first imposed on June 10 will stay in effect for the next few days. The curfew, focused on downtown Los Angeles, was implemented to curb incidents of vandalism and looting that disrupted otherwise peaceful demonstrations.

The protests, which began on June 6, have been largely peaceful but were punctuated by scattered confrontations and emotional public outcries. In response, federal authorities escalated their presence, deploying thousands of National Guard members and military personnel across affected areas.

Protesters Stand Against Deportation Raids

At the heart of the unrest are sweeping immigration enforcement actions targeting undocumented migrants, many of whom live in Latino neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles. Demonstrators gathered in large numbers to protest what they described as indiscriminate and fear-driven raids that have left communities shaken and households afraid.

Residents and local leaders alike expressed concern that the raids, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), were creating widespread fear. “People are afraid to leave their homes,” noted Mayor Karen Bass. She emphasized that many believe the raids feel random and discriminatory, adding, “This is the United States. You are not supposed to have to show your papers just to walk outside.”

Military Crackdown Met With Resistance from Local Officials

The protests escalated after a federal order sent roughly 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to support local law enforcement. The move drew criticism from city and state officials who insisted that the demonstrations were under control and that military involvement was unnecessary and potentially inflammatory.

Despite this pushback, the federal government has signaled no intention to scale down its efforts. On the contrary, new directives have been issued to intensify deportation operations in major urban centers, including Los Angeles.

President Donald Trump publicly defended the expanded operations, claiming that ICE agents had been subjected to “violence, harassment, and even threats” and urged them to use all available power to carry out mass deportations.

Curfew to Remain in Effect Amid Ongoing Tensions

Mayor Bass confirmed that the overnight curfew will continue, though she expressed hope that violence will soon subside. “I know the curfew will be on for at least a couple more days,” she stated, noting the unpredictable nature of the demonstrations and the uncertainty surrounding further federal raids.

She also voiced concern about the impact of continued enforcement actions on public sentiment. “We don’t know how many raids are going to happen, or what the character of the raids will be. Each one generates more anger,” she said.

Protests Evolve With Creative Resistance

The demonstrations in Los Angeles have taken many forms, from solemn marches to energetic rallies. Over the weekend, a massive protest filled downtown streets, echoing the national “No Kings” movement — a collective pushback against authoritarian policies.

Even Sunday’s smaller protests featured bold and expressive voices. Outside City Hall, a group of women wearing bikinis carried signs with messages like “Hot Girl Summer Melt ICE,” blending satire with serious political commentary under the close watch of law enforcement.

A City at a Crossroads

As Los Angeles enters its second week of protest activity, the city remains in a state of watchful resilience. Residents, officials, and demonstrators continue to navigate a complicated landscape marked by civil unrest, federal intervention, and deep-rooted concerns about immigration and civil liberties.

The coming days will determine whether the city can return to calm or whether heightened tensions will fuel further demonstrations — and more forceful responses.