A curfew has been imposed in downtown Los Angeles amid widespread protests sparked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on undocumented immigrants. Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced the temporary restrictions, which will be in effect from 20 p.m. to 00 a.m. for several days. The decision comes after days of unrest that have led to hundreds of arrests and significant damage to city infrastructure. The mayor called on President Donald Trump to end the immigration raids, emphasizing the need for dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

According to Karen Bass, the curfew will affect a limited area of ​​about one square mile in the city center. Residents of these areas, as well as accredited journalists, are exempt from the restrictions, which, according to the mayor, will minimize inconvenience to citizens. Bass emphasized that the measure is aimed at restoring order after the protests, which were accompanied by acts of vandalism and clashes with police. According to the BBC, the unrest began in response to large-scale ICE operations launched after President Trump took office in January 2025. The Trump administration, as reported by The New York Times, has stepped up deportations of illegal immigrants, which has sparked protests in several US cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the curfew was necessary to protect lives and property. He said police arrested 378 people from Saturday through Tuesday: 27 on Saturday, 40 on Sunday, 114 on Monday and 197 on Tuesday. The Los Angeles Times reported that protests included trash cans being set on fire, storefronts being damaged and streets being blocked, causing significant losses to businesses. McDonnell said police were trying to be discreet but would crack down on any attempts to disrupt public order. Authorities have also increased their presence downtown to prevent further violence.

The protests in Los Angeles are part of a nationwide backlash against Trump’s immigration policies. Since the start of 2025, ICE has carried out raids in more than 20 states, detaining thousands of people suspected of being in the country illegally, according to Reuters. In California, home to a significant share of migrants, the actions have sparked a particularly strong reaction.