Police in Los Angeles have begun conducting mass arrests overnight as protests erupted in response to recent federal immigration raids. The unrest, centered in downtown LA, followed a curfew order imposed by Mayor Karen Bass after looting and violence broke out during demonstrations.
The curfew, which took effect at 8:00 PM local time (04:00 BST), applied to specific zones in the downtown area, particularly around 1st Street between Spring and Alameda. Despite the restrictions, small groups of demonstrators continued to gather late into the night, prompting police intervention.
A woman wearing a press hat runs away as officers operate after curfew amid continuing protests. PHOTO/COURTESY
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed enforcement actions were underway. “Multiple groups continue to congregate on 1st St between Spring and Alameda,” the statement read. “Those groups are being addressed and mass arrests are being initiated. Curfew is in effect.”
By midnight, the streets saw intensified police presence as officers moved in to disperse lingering protestors. Images from the scene showed demonstrators and journalists running from advancing police lines, with reports of chaotic scenes as authorities attempted to restore order.
The protests in Los Angeles are part of a broader wave of demonstrations sweeping across the United States in response to a controversial federal crackdown on undocumented immigrants. What began as peaceful protests escalated into violence and looting in several areas, prompting city leaders to act swiftly to prevent further damage.
Mayor Bass justified the curfew as a necessary measure to protect public safety. “We support the right to peaceful protest,” she said in a statement earlier in the evening. “But we will not tolerate violence or destruction in our city.”
The situation in LA mirrors growing unrest nationwide. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott preemptively deployed the National Guard in anticipation of similar protests across major cities in the state. New York City also saw demonstrations spill into the night, resulting in multiple arrests as police attempted to disperse crowds.
The federal response has drawn sharp criticism from state leaders. California Governor Gavin Newsom directly blamed President Donald Trump for escalating tensions. “The president has inflamed a combustible situation,” Newsom said, referring to Trump’s decision to authorize National Guard deployments and bolster immigration enforcement.
Despite the curfews and police crackdowns, protestors in downtown LA appeared undeterred late into the night. “We’re not going to stop until our voices are heard,” said one demonstrator who asked to remain anonymous. “These raids are terrorizing our communities.”
As of early Wednesday morning, law enforcement remained on high alert in Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities, as officials brace for continued unrest and further public backlash over the immigration enforcement actions.
The LAPD has yet to release an official count of arrests made overnight, but observers report dozens being detained at protest hotspots. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments expected throughout the day.
Written By Rodney Mbua
