Curfew imposed for second night after hundreds arrested
Los Angeles Curfew Extended Amid Immigration Raid Protests
Updated June 12, 2025
Los Angeles is experiencing a second night of curfew as unrest continues following recent US immigration raids. The immigration protests, which began last Friday, have led to nearly 400 arrests, according to CBS, the BBCS US partner. The Los Angeles protests have prompted the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to help restore order.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported “mass arrests” overnight, including 203 people detained for failure to disperse and 17 for curfew violations. Three individuals were arrested for firearm posession, and one for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer. Two officers sustained injuries during the clashes.
Mayor Karen Bass stated on X, formerly Twitter, that the curfew aims to “stop bad actors” exploiting the situation. She attributed the demonstrations to President Donald Trump’s immigration raids, which she said have incited fear and panic among residents. Bass has called for an end to the raids, suggesting they are part of a “national experiment” to undermine local government authority.
The curfew affects a one-square-mile area of downtown Los Angeles. Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that the unrest is not city-wide. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the curfew “helped a bit” in managing the situation.
“A week ago,everything was peaceful. Things began to be arduous on Friday when raids took place.”
— Karen bass, Los Angeles Mayor
Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman stated that the deployed troops are authorized to detain individuals until police can make arrests. The military deployment is estimated to cost $134 million.
President Trump, addressing troops at Fort Bragg, described the protests as a “full-blown assault on peace and public order” and vowed to use “every asset” to quell the violence. He has intensified his political conflict with state officials, accusing protesters of being “animals.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s decision to deploy troops without state request,calling it a “brazen abuse of power.” He warned that other states could be next, stating, ”Democracy is under assault right before our eyes.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the troop deployment as “lawful and constitutional.”
“California may be first – but it clearly won’t end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next. Democracy is under assault right before our eyes.”
— Gavin Newsom, California Governor
Trump aims to increase mass deportations, setting a goal of 3,000 daily arrests for border agents. A recent poll indicated that a majority of Americans approve of his deportation policy and handling of immigration.
What’s next
The situation in Los Angeles remains tense as the curfew continues. Further developments are expected as federal and state officials address the ongoing unrest and debate the legality and necessity of the military deployment.