Tensions Rise Over Anti-ICE Protests in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Imposes Curfew, Trump Deploys National Guard

Tensions Rise Over Anti-ICE Protests in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Imposes Curfew, Trump Deploys National Guard

Los Angeles | June 11, 2025 – In a dramatic move, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew Tuesday night in response to the ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in downtown Los Angeles.

According to the mayor’s statement, the curfew will remain in effect from 8:00 PM Tuesday to 6:00 AM Wednesday. However, it is not citywide—it applies only to a one-square-mile area of downtown, bordered by the 5, 110, and 10 freeways.

In a press conference, Mayor Bass stated:

“This tough decision was made to stop vandalism and looting. If you do not live or work in downtown, avoid the area. Those who break the law will face consequences.”

Residents, employees working in the area, and accredited media personnel are partially exempt from the curfew. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also confirmed that unhoused individuals will not be subject to the restrictions.

He added:

“The protests, which began peacefully, have unfortunately turned violent over the past few days. So far, 469 people have been arrested, and 23 businesses were looted on Monday night.”

Metro Stations Temporarily Closed

Public transportation has also been impacted. Metro authorities have shut down nine downtown stations temporarily:

• Pico

• Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill

• Historic Broadway

• Little Tokyo/Arts District

• Civic Center/Grand Park

• 7th/Metro

• Union Station

• Pico/Aliso Station

Background of the Protests

The protests began last Friday after ICE conducted immigration raids in Westlake, Downtown, and South LA. Demonstrators gathered around federal agents and attempted to block the detention of individuals.

Trump Intervenes

In response, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and 700 U.S. Marines to California. He stated the move was to protect federal buildings and ICE agents. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the decision.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Newsom wrote:

“Donald Trump is pouring fuel on the fire. Deploying a state’s National Guard without consulting the governor is illegal and unethical.”

Will the Insurrection Act Be Invoked?

Under U.S. law, active military forces cannot be used for domestic security unless the Insurrection Act is invoked. When asked about this on Tuesday, Trump replied:

“If there's an insurrection, I will absolutely invoke the Insurrection Act. Let’s see what happens.”

This situation is now seen not just as a conflict over immigration policy but also as a power struggle between local and federal authorities—reflecting deepening political tensions within the United States.