Mayor Karen Bass has declared a curfew across parts of downtown Los Angeles following a wave of escalating protests over federal immigration actions. The move follows five days of growing unrest and nearly 200 arrests on Tuesday alone.

The curfew, running from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., applies to about a square mile of downtown and could remain in effect for several days, according to city officials.

“The curfew is a necessary measure to protect lives and safeguard property,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell at a Tuesday press briefing.

📈 Arrests Mount as Protests Spread

According to LAPD data, arrests have increased daily since Saturday. On Tuesday:

• 130 people were detained near the Metropolitan Detention Center
• 67 others were arrested after blocking traffic on the 101 Freeway

McDonnell condemned actions such as blocking roadways and ignoring police orders, calling them “dangerous and unlawful.”

🇺🇸 Trump Orders Military Intervention

Speaking from Fort Bragg, President Donald Trump described protesters as “animals” and accused them of attempting a “foreign invasion.”

Over 4,000 National Guard troops and active-duty Marines have been deployed to assist with security operations in the city. Defense officials confirmed that Guard personnel are now escorting ICE agents during arrests, expanding their role beyond protecting federal infrastructure.

⚖️ Legal Challenge Filed in Federal Court

The state of California responded by filing a lawsuit to block military involvement in law enforcement. A federal hearing is scheduled for Thursday in San Francisco.

“Federal antagonization… has already caused real and irreparable damage to Los Angeles,” reads the filing.

💬 Tensions and Mixed Emotions on the Streets

Tuesday’s demonstrations featured symbolic gestures including upside-down U.S. flags and communist insignias. Heavy police presence led to standoffs, but several marches remained peaceful.

Juan Pantoja, whose brother was arrested while riding by the protest on a scooter, said: “The protests make sense, but the vandalism and police violence are out of hand.”

💸 Military Operation Estimated to Cost Over $134M

Before Congress, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth justified the operation, labeling demonstrators “looters and thugs.” The Pentagon estimated the deployment will cost taxpayers at least $134 million—covering troop pay, meals, and transport.

📅 What’s Next?

With legal hearings looming and public tensions still high, the situation in Los Angeles remains volatile. Mayor Bass has urged calm while reaffirming her commitment to public safety and lawful demonstration.