Los Angeles Protests Escalate: Partial Curfew Imposed, Tear Gas Deployed Amid Tensions
Los Angeles is reeling from days of intense protests sparked by federal immigration raids, with tensions escalating as police deploy tear gas and a partial curfew takes effect in downtown areas.
International News: Los Angeles is gripped by escalating protests that have plunged the city into chaos, prompting a partial curfew and the use of tear gas by police to control volatile crowds. The unrest, sparked by controversial federal immigration raids, has heightened tensions, leaving America’s second-largest city on edge.
Roots of the Unrest
The protests erupted on June 6, 2025, following aggressive immigration sweeps targeting Latino communities across Los Angeles. Demonstrators, numbering in the thousands, took to the streets to denounce what they call inhumane deportations under the Trump administration’s renewed crackdown. By June 8, peaceful rallies turned violent as clashes erupted between protesters and police near City Hall. Reports of vandalism and looting in downtown areas prompted authorities to act swiftly, with over 200 arrests reported in the first three days.
Curfew and Tear Gas Deployment
On June 10, Mayor Karen Bass announced a partial curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in a one-square-mile downtown zone to curb the escalating violence. Police, facing stone-throwing crowds, deployed tear gas and flash-bangs to disperse demonstrators, drawing criticism for excessive force. “We’re fighting for our families, not against the city,” said Maria Lopez, a protester. The curfew has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the measure for safety.
Federal Intervention Sparks Outrage
The deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines by President Trump, without state approval, has intensified the crisis. California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the move “unlawful,” accusing the federal government of inflaming tensions. Community leaders echo this sentiment, arguing that militarizing the city escalates rather than resolves the conflict.
A City Divided
Activists demand an end to the raids, while authorities brace for more unrest. The curfew, set to last until June 13, underscores the challenge of balancing public safety and civil liberties. With no resolution in sight, LA’s streets reflect a broader national divide over immigration policy.
