LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The situation in Los Angeles remains tense as the fallout from ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to unfold. Following several days of unrest, city officials have implemented an overnight curfew in a designated area of downtown Los Angeles, aiming to curb incidents of vandalism and maintain public order. In response to the escalating situation, President Donald Trump has dispatched 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to assist local law enforcement. However, this move has prompted legal action from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, who are suing the Trump administration for allegedly infringing on California's sovereignty by federalizing the state's National Guard.
At 2:09 AM GMT, Mayor Karen Bass announced the implementation of a curfew for downtown Los Angeles, which will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. This decision comes amid the ongoing anti-ICE protests that have gripped the city. During a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Bass indicated that the curfew could extend for several days. Law enforcement officers have been instructed to arrest anyone who violates this curfew, although exceptions will be made for residents, members of the media, and individuals commuting to and from work.
In light of the escalating protests, Governor Gavin Newsom is scheduled to address Californians at 6:30 p.m. during a live broadcast. Residents can stream this important address on ABC7.com. This address comes as protests enter their fifth day, reflecting the heightened public sentiment against ICE actions in the region.
As of 12:19 AM GMT, National Guard troops have transitioned from their previous roles of securing federal property to now providing protection for ICE agents during arrest operations in Los Angeles. This expansion of duties was confirmed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which stated that the troops are tasked with perimeter and personnel security for their facilities and officers engaged in daily enforcement operations. While U.S. officials have clarified that National Guard members are not directly involved in enforcement actions such as deportations, their presence marks a significant shift in the state's approach to immigration enforcement.
In a dramatic turn of events, anti-ICE protesters momentarily shut down the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Eyewitnesses from AIR7 reported that California Highway Patrol officers formed skirmish lines in an attempt to remove protesters from the freeway. Confrontations ensued, with protesters throwing objects at law enforcement officers. After approximately 5 to 10 minutes of intense standoff, the CHP successfully managed to push the demonstrators off the freeway and onto Aliso Street, though traffic remained halted at Alameda Street. Reports indicate that at least two individuals were detained during this chaotic scene.
This ongoing situation in Los Angeles highlights the complexities of the protests against ICE and the broader implications of federal involvement in state matters. As the city grapples with these challenges, officials are working diligently to restore order in the face of rising tensions.
