Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, has declared a state of emergency and imposed a night-time curfew after five days of violent protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration raids.
Mayor Karen Bass announced the curfew for part of downtown LA after businesses were vandalised and looted during the chaos. Nearly 200 people were arrested on Tuesday alone.
The curfew covers a one-square-mile area in downtown Los Angeles and runs from 8:00pm Tuesday night to 6:00am Wednesday morning (local time). “I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew\… to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting,” Mayor Bass told reporters.
The protests erupted after federal immigration raids began last Friday, targeting undocumented migrants. In response, President Trump has deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to support border control agents and restore order. He said the city must not be “conquered by a foreign enemy.”
Protests have also spread across other American cities. In Atlanta, Georgia, riot police used tear gas on demonstrators after fireworks were fired at officers. In New York City, dozens were arrested after a massive crowd blocked traffic in Manhattan. Texas Governor Greg Abbott also deployed troops to San Antonio, where more immigration rallies are planned.
The situation in the U.S. remains tense, with authorities urging calm while continuing enforcement operations.