Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced a curfew in downtown Los Angeles in response to escalating protests sparked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on undocumented immigrants. The restrictions, which go into effect at 20 p.m. on June 00, 10, are intended to stop vandalism and disorder that authorities say threaten public safety. Law enforcement has already begun arresting violators, and the mayor has urged residents and visitors to avoid downtown Los Angeles unless they live or work there.

In a statement posted on social media, Bass said the curfew was intended to stop “bad actors” taking advantage of the chaos she believes is being caused by President Donald Trump’s policies. As the curfew began, a police helicopter patrolled the downtown area, broadcasting orders to leave, the Associated Press reported. Hundreds of protesters gathered in the area were confronted by police on horseback and on foot, who surrounded the crowd and ordered them to disperse. Most demonstrators complied, but some groups refused to comply, leading to arrests. More than 50 people were arrested in the first hours of the curfew, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles protests came in response to the stepped-up ICE operations that began after Trump's inauguration in January 2025. According to Reuters, federal authorities have detained thousands of undocumented migrants in California, sparking widespread anger in a state known for its pro-immigrant policies. City officials, including Bass, have been vocal in their criticism of the administration's actions, arguing that the raids are sowing fear and destroying communities. According to The New York Times, Los Angeles has seen more than 20 major protests since the start of the year, some of which have included arson, damaged storefronts, and roadblocks, causing significant losses to businesses.