Curfew imposed in downtown Los Angeles amid unrest over immigration raids; protests spread nationwide

New Delhi, Jun 11: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has imposed an overnight curfew on parts of downtown Los Angeles following outbreaks of looting and violence during protests sparked by recent immigration enforcement raids, reports international media. The restricted marked zones will be under curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and are expected to remain in effect for several days. The move comes as law enforcement security personnel continued to disperse demonstrators in downtown LA, using rubber bullets and deploying anti-riot troops. Despite the curfew, many people remained in the affected area either inadvertently or in defiance of the restrictions.

The curfew excludes local residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, emergency workers, and accredited journalists, as reported by international media.

The unrest in Los Angeles is part of a broader wave of demonstrations across the United States. In Texas, the Governor has activated the National Guard in anticipation of upcoming protests. Meanwhile, in New York City, demonstrations remained largely peaceful as thousands marched into lower Manhattan. However, police made several arrests during a sit-in protest that blocked traffic. According to official reports, demonstrators in New York who refused repeated instructions to clear the roadway were taken into custody. Authorities emphasised that public disruptions of this nature would not be tolerated.

California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticised President Donald Trump for escalating tensions, following Trump's comments labelling the protests as an attack on public order and pledging additional federal troop deployments. The situation continues to remain fluid for the fifth day running, with local officials monitoring developments and coordinating with law enforcement to maintain order.