Curfew Lifted in Downtown LA After Protests Over Trump Immigration Crackdown

Key Takeaways

• Curfew in downtown LA imposed June 10–11, 2025, due to unrest after ICE raids.
• Over 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines authorized to support ICE operations.
• 112 arrests on June 9; protests spread nationwide amid debates on military use.

Downtown Los Angeles saw its nightly curfew lifted on the morning of June 11, 2025, after several tense days of protests and unrest. The curfew, which had covered a one-square-mile area in the city’s core, was put in place by Mayor Karen Bass following a series of large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids ordered by President Donald Trump. These events have not only shaken the city’s large immigrant community but have also sparked a national debate about the use of federal power, the role of the military in immigration enforcement, and the rights of both undocumented and legal immigrants.

What Happened: The Curfew and Its Immediate Causes

The curfew was imposed on June 10, 2025, running nightly from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. It covered the area bounded by the 5, 10, and 110 freeways in downtown Los Angeles. This action came after days of unrest that began with ICE raids in the city’s fashion district and other workplaces. These raids targeted undocumented immigrants, leading to dozens of detentions and immediate protests. As the protests grew, some escalated into clashes with law enforcement, prompting the city to take extraordinary measures to restore order.

Key facts:
– Curfew imposed: June 10–11, 2025, 8:00 PM–6:00 AM
– Curfew lifted: Morning of June 11, 2025
– Area affected: One-square-mile in downtown LA
– Reason: Unrest following ICE raids and federal actions

The curfew required residents and workers in the area to stay indoors during the specified hours, with exceptions for law enforcement, emergency personnel, residents, people traveling to or from work, and credentialed media. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such curfews are rare in response to immigration enforcement, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

The Federal Response: National Guard and Marines Deployed

President Donald Trump responded to the unrest by activating more than 4,000 National Guard members and authorizing the deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles, though Marines had not yet been observed in the city as of June 12, 2025. This move was made despite strong objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who both argued that the federal intervention was an overreach and could further inflame tensions.

Federal actions included:
– Deployment of over 4,000 National Guard members
– Authorization for 700 Marines (not yet present in LA)
– National Guard tasked with supporting ICE and law enforcement
– Guard allowed to temporarily detain individuals attacking officers, but only law enforcement could make arrests

The Trump administration framed these actions as necessary to restore order and support ICE operations. President Trump referred to the protesters as “insurrectionists” and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used law that allows the president to deploy military forces within the United States 🇺🇸 to suppress civil disorder.

ICE Raids: Impact on Immigrant Communities

The unrest began after ICE conducted workplace raids in LA’s fashion district on June 6, 2025. These raids targeted undocumented immigrants, many of whom work in low-wage jobs in the area. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that there are nearly 950,000 undocumented residents in LA County, making the impact of these raids especially broad.

Effects on the community:
– Heightened fear and uncertainty among undocumented and legal immigrants
– Reports of legal immigrants being stopped and questioned by ICE
– Concerns about racial profiling and due process
– Community and civil rights leaders condemned the raids as intimidation tactics

Many families reported that loved ones were detained, and some legal immigrants described being questioned by armed agents despite having valid status. This has led to widespread fear, with some people afraid to go to work or send their children to school.

For more information about ICE and its operations, you can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

Law Enforcement and the Curfew: Arrests and Injuries

During the unrest, law enforcement made a number of arrests and reported injuries. On the night of June 9, 2025, police arrested 14 people for looting, 96 for failure to disperse, one for assault with a deadly weapon, one for resisting arrest, and one for vandalism. Two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were injured during the protests but were treated and released.

Summary of law enforcement actions:
– 112 arrests on June 9, 2025
– Two LAPD officers injured
– Use of pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse crowds
– Curfew enforced with exceptions for essential workers and residents

Law enforcement justified the curfew and increased presence as necessary to prevent vandalism, theft, and violence by agitators. However, civil rights advocates argued that these measures were excessive and contributed to a climate of fear.

Political and Legal Reactions: State vs. Federal Authority

The federal deployment of troops and the scale of ICE operations have led to a sharp political and legal battle between state and federal officials. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as a “brazen abuse of power” and filed an emergency motion in federal court to restrict the role of the military to guarding federal buildings only. A hearing on this motion is scheduled for June 12, 2025.

Key points in the legal and political dispute:
– California’s emergency motion seeks to limit military involvement
– Hearing scheduled for June 12, 2025
– State and local officials cite concerns over civil rights and state sovereignty
– Federal government argues actions are necessary to restore order and enforce immigration laws

This legal battle is being closely watched, as it could set important precedents for how federal and state governments interact during times of civil unrest, especially when immigration enforcement is involved.

Community Response: Fear, Anger, and Calls for Action

Community and civil rights leaders have strongly condemned both the ICE raids and the military presence in Los Angeles. They argue that these actions are designed to intimidate immigrant communities and suppress dissent. Protest organizers have called for an end to the raids and the withdrawal of federal troops, and they are planning larger rallies for the upcoming weekend.

Community concerns include:
– Fear of family separation and deportation
– Disruption of daily life, business operations, and public transportation
– Reports of racial profiling and questioning of legal immigrants
– Anger over the use of military force in a civilian context

Many community members have shared stories of family members being detained or harassed, and some have described encounters with armed agents despite having legal status. This has led to a sense of anger and betrayal among many residents, who feel that their rights are being violated.

National Impact: Protests Spread to Other Cities

The events in Los Angeles have sparked similar protests in other major cities across the United States 🇺🇸, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, and Austin. These protests have also seen clashes with law enforcement and arrests, as communities across the country express their opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

National developments:
– Protests spread to multiple major cities
– Similar unrest and arrests reported elsewhere
– National debate over immigration enforcement and civil liberties

This nationwide response shows that the issues at stake go beyond Los Angeles and reflect broader concerns about immigration policy, federal power, and the rights of immigrants.

Historical Context: Rare Use of Military in Immigration Enforcement

The Trump administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines in support of ICE operations marks a rare use of military force in domestic immigration enforcement. This move has drawn comparisons to past uses of the Insurrection Act, though it has not yet been formally invoked.

Historical background:
– Military involvement in domestic law enforcement is rare and controversial
– The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy troops to suppress civil disorder
– Past uses of the Act have been limited and often criticized

Many legal experts and civil rights advocates warn that using the military in this way risks undermining civil liberties and blurring the line between civilian and military authority.

Practical Effects: Disruption to Daily Life and Business

The curfew and law enforcement actions have had a significant impact on daily life in downtown Los Angeles. Businesses have been forced to close early or remain shut, public transportation has been disrupted, and residents have had to adjust their routines to comply with the curfew.

Practical effects include:
– Business closures and economic losses
– Disruption to public transportation
– Residents unable to move freely during curfew hours
– Increased anxiety and uncertainty among immigrant communities

These disruptions have added to the stress and fear already felt by many residents, especially those in the undocumented community.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

A pivotal federal court hearing is set for June 12, 2025, to determine whether the military’s role in immigration enforcement will be restricted. The outcome of this hearing will likely shape the scope of future military involvement in such operations and set important precedents for state-federal relations.

Future developments to watch:
– Court decision on California’s emergency motion
– Potential for further protests and unrest
– Possible changes to federal immigration enforcement policies
– Ongoing debate over the use of military force in civilian matters

Protest organizers are planning larger rallies for the upcoming weekend, suggesting that the unrest may continue. The outcome of California’s lawsuit and the federal response will be closely watched by communities across the country.

Resources and Where to Get Help

For those affected by the recent events, several official resources are available:

• City of Los Angeles: Curfew Announcements and Updates
• Los Angeles Police Department: LAPD Online
• California Governor’s Office: Governor’s Office
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE Official Site
• U.S. Northern Command: USNORTHCOM

These sites provide up-to-date information on curfews, legal rights, and how to get help if you or your family are affected by ICE operations.

Takeaways and Practical Guidance

• Stay informed: Monitor official city, state, and federal websites for the latest updates on curfews, protests, and legal developments.
• Know your rights: If you are approached by ICE or law enforcement, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Legal immigrants should carry proof of status.
• Plan ahead: If you live or work in affected areas, plan your travel and work schedules to avoid curfew hours and potential disruptions.
• Seek support: Community organizations and legal aid groups can provide help and information for those affected by ICE raids or military presence.

The situation in Los Angeles remains fluid, with legal, political, and social ramifications continuing to unfold. For the most current information, keep checking official sources and trusted news outlets.

Summary Table: Key Facts

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the lifting of the curfew marks a turning point, but the debate over immigration enforcement and the use of federal power is far from over. The coming days will be critical in determining how these issues are resolved and what they mean for immigrants, local communities, and the country as a whole.

Learn Today

Curfew → A government-imposed restriction requiring people to stay indoors during specific hours.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
National Guard → Military reserve force activated for domestic emergencies or federal support roles.
Insurrection Act → A federal law allowing the president to deploy military forces to suppress civil disorder.
Undocumented Immigrants → People living in the U.S. without legal immigration status.

This Article in a Nutshell

A curfew lifted on June 11 ended tense nights after ICE raids sparked protests and federal military deployment in downtown Los Angeles.
— By VisaVerge.com