Mayor lifts curfew in downtown Los Angeles after protests

In response to protests against immigration policies and the deployment of additional federal troops, a nightly curfew was established in downtown Los Angeles. On June 10, the mayor implemented this curfew to mitigate incidents of vandalism and looting that accompanied the protests, which began on June 6. The demonstrations, primarily concentrated around government buildings, were spurred by the Trump administration's immigration raids. On June 16, following a reduction in violence and crime, Mayor Bass announced a reduction in curfew hours, moving its start time to 10 p.m. and ending at 6 a.m. By June 18, the mayor officially lifted the curfew, citing its success in crime prevention and community safety. The protests erupted in Los Angeles, a heavily Latino city in California, as a reaction to President Trump's aggressive immigration policies, notably the raids targeting undocumented immigrants. These policies sparked fear within the community, leading to a series of rallies that initially remained peaceful but escalated into clashes with law enforcement due to the heightened security measures, including the deployment of around 4,700 National Guard troops and Marines directed by the federal government. The mayor expressed concern over the disproportionate fears experienced by locals, emphasizing that people should not have to fear for their freedom in public spaces. The curfew was initially described as necessary to curb violence after several instances of vandalism and looting during the first few days of protests, where approximately 23 businesses experienced break-ins. It encompassed a one-square-mile area in downtown Los Angeles, aimed at maintaining order amidst the chaos. However, following a series of calm nights and a significant drop in arrests, Mayor Bass decided to adjust the curfew, reflecting the improved situation. This adjustment was welcomed by residents and business owners affected financially by both the curfew and previous vandalism incidents. Despite the lifting of the curfew, the mayor did not indicate a future plan for the complete cessation of enforcement measures against violent protesters, as safety remained a priority for her administration. Business owners expressed concerns over the lengthy impact of the disturbances, particularly due to considerable damage inflicted upon their businesses during the unrest. The mayor vowed to continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate actions, making the commitment to reestablish a stable and secure environment in Downtown Los Angeles as critical to both community and economic revival.