Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and New York – The streets of downtown Los Angeles fell quiet overnight except for the occasional flash of police lights and the thud of boots on concrete. The city is under curfew. Protests have entered their fifth day. And now, US President Donald Trump has sent in troops.
After a week of growing tension following immigration raids in predominantly Latino neighbourhoods, the President said he was acting to “liberate” the city. California officials called it an overreach. The governor called it an assault on democracy.
Mayor Karen Bass, citing vandalism and looting, declared a night-time curfew for a small section of LA’s city centre. “We reached a tipping point,” she said on Tuesday. “We need to protect lives and businesses.”
Police moved in quickly after 8 p.m. local time. Rubber bullets were fired to disperse crowds. By the end of the night, LAPD reported “mass arrests.” Though the total was unclear, officials had earlier confirmed nearly 200 arrests on Tuesday alone.
Troops on the Streets
President Trump has deployed 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines to Los Angeles. The troops are not authorised to make arrests. Instead, their orders are to protect federal buildings and agents.
Speaking at Fort Bragg, Trump framed the protests as a national threat. “This is a full-blown assault on peace and public order,” he said, vowing to use “every asset” to bring what he called “anarchy” to an end.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent critic of the President, responded with sharp words: “He again chose escalation. He chose more force.” Newsom accused Trump of inflaming unrest for political gain, warning: “Democracy is under assault right before our eyes.”
What Sparked the Protests
Demonstrations began last Friday after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a series of raids in East LA. Activists say the raids targeted Latino communities, separating families and detaining dozens.
Mayor Bass blamed ICE for stoking public anger. “If these raids are going to go on for 30 days, and that’s the rumour, we will not see calm,” she said, urging the federal government to stop the operation.
ICE has since confirmed that National Guard troops are now accompanying agents on enforcement missions. A spokesperson said their role is limited to protection, not arrests.
The Pentagon says the military deployment to LA will cost taxpayers $134 million.
A Divided City—and Country
On Tuesday, scenes of confrontation played out across the US. In New York, thousands marched into lower Manhattan, prompting dozens of arrests. In Atlanta, fireworks were launched at police, who responded with tear gas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent Guard troops to San Antonio, where further rallies are expected.
Back in Los Angeles, life outside the curfew zone continued with little disruption. Children went to school. Traffic clogged the highways. Tourists strolled along Hollywood Boulevard.
But downtown, it was a different city.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell defended the curfew as a “life-saving measure.” He insisted it was not about suppressing speech. “We respect the right to protest,” he said. “But we also must stop the violence.”
The mayor reported 23 businesses had been looted on Monday night. Financial damage has yet to be tallied.
Trump’s Immigration Push
The protests come as Trump doubles down on immigration enforcement a key part of his re-election campaign. He has reportedly set a target of 3,000 arrests per day by border agents.
Since taking office, the President has pushed for tighter border controls and expedited deportations. While crossings at the southern border have declined, critics argue that the methods being used are too aggressive.
A recent CBS News/YouGov poll, conducted before the protests began, found that a slim majority 54% supported Trump’s immigration crackdown. But only 39% approved of his handling of inflation, suggesting public opinion is deeply divided.
A Political Firestorm
At Fort Bragg, Trump told troops to boo the names of Governor Newsom and former President Joe Biden. The rhetoric has fuelled concerns about a growing rift between Washington and the states.
“California may be first,” Newsom warned. “But it won’t end here. Other states are next.”
A federal judge in San Francisco has scheduled a hearing for Thursday on California’s emergency request to block the troop deployment.
For now, the troops remain. So do the protesters. And a deeply divided nation watches as tensions flare in one of its largest cities.
