LA Locked Down Trump Protestors Face Mass Arrests!

LA Police Make Mass Arrests as Protests Defy Overnight Curfew

Tensions are escalating in Los Angeles as police conduct mass arrests following days of protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies and military deployment. The demonstrations, sparked by anger over aggressive ICE raids, have led to a tense standoff between protesters and law enforcement, further complicated by the deployment of federal troops.

Overnight Curfew Defied

Late Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it was initiating mass arrests in the downtown area after "multiple groups" continued to gather in defiance of a 10-hour curfew imposed by Mayor Karen Bass. The curfew, running from 8 pm to 6 am, was intended to quell demonstrations focused on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities.

Key Developments:

• Mass Arrests: LAPD reported making over 300 arrests of protesters in the past two days.
• Curfew Imposed: Mayor Karen Bass implemented a 10-hour curfew in downtown Los Angeles.
• Federal Intervention: The Trump administration has deployed approximately 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to LA.

California Resists Federal Intervention

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vehemently opposed the Trump administration's actions, filing an emergency request to block the use of military forces to assist ICE officers in raids throughout Los Angeles. Newsom, along with Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit alleging that the Trump administration's takeover of the state's National Guard was unlawful.

On Tuesday, a federal judge declined to immediately rule on California's request for a restraining order and scheduled a hearing for Thursday.

Newsom's Strong Condemnation of Trump

In a fiery speech, Governor Newsom condemned President Trump for "indiscriminately targeting hard-working immigrant families" and "militarizing the streets of LA." He recounted instances of ICE agents allegedly detaining individuals without warrants, including a pregnant US citizen, and targeting vulnerable communities.

Newsom warned of the broader implications of these actions, stating, "If some of us can be snatched off the streets without a warrant based only on suspicion or skin colour, then none of us are safe."

Trump's Response and Escalation

President Trump, in a deeply partisan military speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, referred to the LA protesters as "animals" and vowed to "liberate Los Angeles." He baselessly claimed that the demonstrations were being led by paid "rioters bearing foreign flags" and repeated a conspiracy theory about pallets of bricks being left for protesters.

Despite objections from Democratic officials and concerns from local law enforcement, hundreds of troops have been transferred to Los Angeles.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated that the military presence would remain in the city for 60 days, at a cost of at least $134 million.

Trump also indicated he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act if necessary.

Opposition and Concerns

The deployment of the National Guard has been met with strong opposition from California Democrats and Democratic governors nationwide. Senator Alex Padilla stated that the situation was "absolutely a crisis of Trump's own making" and that the deployment of the National Guard would only escalate tensions.

LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell expressed concerns about the lack of coordination with federal forces and the potential logistical challenges posed by their presence.

Military Integration and Training

US Northern Command (Northcom) stated that Marines from the Second Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, would "seamlessly integrate" with forces protecting federal personnel and property in Los Angeles. Northcom added that the forces had been trained in de-escalation, crowd control, and the use of force.

The Road Ahead

The situation in Los Angeles remains volatile, with significant legal challenges and political tensions simmering beneath the surface. The clash between state and federal authorities, coupled with the ongoing protests, presents a complex and potentially explosive situation that demands careful management and a commitment to upholding both public safety and fundamental rights. The coming days will be critical in determining the long-term impact of these events on the city and the nation as a whole.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/11/la-los-angeles-police-mass-arrests-overnight-curfew