LA Police Launch Mass Arrests Amid Defiance of Curfew
Late Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced it had initiated mass arrests after multiple groups of protesters continued gathering in areas subject to a strict overnight curfew.
“Multiple groups continue to congregate on 1st Street between Spring and Alameda,” the LAPD tweeted. “Those groups are being addressed and mass arrests are being initiated.”
Curfew Imposed Amid Ongoing Immigration Protests
The curfew, enforced from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., was declared by Mayor Karen Bass in downtown Los Angeles as demonstrations persisted against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). Over the past two days, the LAPD reported arresting more than 300 protesters.
Background: Federal Military Deployment Sparks Outcry
This crackdown coincides with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency petition opposing the Trump administration’s deployment of military forces in Los Angeles. Trump ordered the arrival of 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to bolster federal agents conducting raids primarily targeting immigrant communities, including garment workers, day laborers, and employees of car washes.
Though deployed for protection, neither the National Guard nor the Marines possess arrest powers, focusing instead on securing federal buildings.
State Leaders Challenge Federal Actions
Governor Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit criticizing the administration’s takeover of the state National Guard, calling it unlawful. A federal court postponed ruling on the state's restraining order request, setting a hearing for Thursday.
In a fiery speech, Newsom denounced what he described as the militarization of Los Angeles streets and the indiscriminate targeting of immigrant families. He highlighted recent incidents, including ICE agents detaining a nine-months-pregnant U.S. citizen outside a Home Depot and arrests at schools and workplaces.
“If some of us can be snatched off the streets without a warrant based only on suspicion or skin color, then none of us are safe,” Newsom warned. He urged residents to resist what he sees as authoritarian tactics and to not yield to pressure from federal authorities.
Trump’s Military Speech and Controversial Claims
Meanwhile, President Trump delivered a sharply partisan address at Fort Bragg, marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. He referred to protesters as “animals” and pledged to “liberate Los Angeles.” Trump claimed, without evidence, that protests were being led by paid agitators displaying foreign flags to incite a “foreign invasion.”
He also repeated conspiracy theories about pallets of bricks allegedly provided to protesters for attacking police.
Despite widespread objections from local officials and Democratic leaders, hundreds of troops were deployed to Los Angeles that evening. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that military forces could remain for up to 60 days, potentially costing over $134 million.
Trump stated troops would stay until “no danger” remained and hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act, adding, “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We’ll see.”
