'Local emergency': Mayor Karen Bass declares curfew in downtown LA amid anti-ICE protests; nearly 200 arrested

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday declared a local emergency and imposed an overnight curfew in downtown Los Angeles as protests against federal immigration raids continued for a fifth straight day.

The curfew will run from 8pm Tuesday to 6am Wednesday, covering a one-square-mile area bounded by the 5, 10, and 110 freeways.“I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting,” Bass announced at an evening news conference. “If you do not live or work in downtown LA, avoid the area. Law enforcement will arrest individuals who break the curfew and you will be prosecuted.”

The order comes after days of unrest sparked by a series of immigration raids carried out by federal agents in the Westlake District, downtown, and South Los Angeles Since Friday, protesters have clashed with law enforcement, resulting in nearly 200 arrests, reported by CBS news.

According to Bass, at least 23 businesses were looted Monday night.The curfew exempts residents, workers, credentialed media, and people experiencing homelessness, as confirmed by LAPD chief Jim McDonnell.

The escalating demonstrations have drawn national attention. US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of California National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to protect federal buildings, a move made without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom.“Donald Trump is putting fuel on this fire,” Newsom wrote Sunday on X. “Commandeering a state's National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral. California will be taking him to court.”Despite the curfew and heavy security presence, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, which began in response to what they say is an unjust crackdown on immigrant communities.