Los Angeles, June 11, 2025 — Los Angeles remains on edge as protests over federal immigration raids continue for a fifth consecutive day. Mayor Karen Bass announced a partial curfew in downtown LA from 8 PM Tuesday to 6 AM Wednesday after reports of looting at over 23 businesses and rising public unrest. In response, President Donald Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to safeguard federal properties — a move fiercely contested by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Governor Newsom condemned the military deployment, calling it “an assault on democracy” and filed an emergency petition in court to halt the action. “We respect our National Guard, but their presence on the streets of Los Angeles without state approval is unconstitutional,” Newsom stated. He accused Trump of bypassing state authority and escalating tensions unnecessarily.
This military action, which includes Marines stationed in the city for the first time in over 30 years, marks a dramatic escalation in federal response to civil unrest. Officials claim the aim is to protect federal agents conducting controversial immigration operations.
Late Tuesday night, the LAPD enforced the downtown curfew with arrests and crowd dispersal tactics. Officers on horseback and riot gear cleared demonstrators, while National Guard personnel remained largely in a passive posture behind protective shields.
The Pentagon confirmed troop deployments in the Greater Los Angeles area, while also acknowledging that Marines are on standby. Federal agents continued conducting raids, now under military protection, fueling public outrage.
President Trump, defending his decision during impromptu Oval Office remarks, called the demonstrations “an attack on peace and public order.” He warned protestors planning to disrupt this weekend’s US Army 250th Anniversary parade in Washington: “They will be met with very big force.”
Law enforcement is bracing for mass protests at the parade, with the FBI and Secret Service monitoring for threats. Despite tensions, officials confirm no credible threats so far. At least nine groups have secured permits to demonstrate.
The federal court is expected to hear Governor Newsom’s emergency petition on Thursday, as the legal and political clash intensifies over who controls public order in America’s second-largest city.
