Los Angeles Mayor Lifts Curfew After Intense Protests Against Immigration Policies

Los Angeles Mayor Lifts Curfew Following Protests

The mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, has lifted the city's curfew, which was imposed last week to prevent vandalism and looting during protests against President Trump's immigration policies. The curfew, effective from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, covered a 2.5-square-kilometer area in downtown Los Angeles. Exemptions were granted to residents, homeless individuals, emergency services, and authorized media personnel.

Background of the Protests

The protests erupted earlier this month in response to the arrests and deportations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Thousands took to the streets, leading to clashes with law enforcement and the deployment of the National Guard by President Trump. The unrest resulted in property damage, including vandalized businesses and restaurants.

Federal Intervention

President Trump deployed thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles without a request from California Governor Gavin Newsom. This move was criticized by local officials, who accused the federal government of overreach. Mayor Bass condemned the deployment, calling it an "experiment" in federal control over local governance.

What is the National Guard?

The National Guard is a reserve military force composed of part-time soldiers who also hold civilian jobs. It is typically deployed for disaster relief and state emergencies but can be federalized for national missions. The Guard played a significant role during Hurricane Katrina and recent wildfires in California.