Mayor Bass opposes military presence amid protests in Los Angeles

In early June 2025, large protests erupted in downtown Los Angeles, California, reflecting widespread discontent over immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.). On June 6, approximately 30,000 demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to these raids, which President Donald Trump had ordered as part of a broader campaign to enforce immigration laws. In response to the protests, Trump deployed around 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to assist in managing the unrest, causing significant concern among local officials and residents. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that local law enforcement had adequate control over the situation and emphasized that the military presence was unnecessary. She expressed her strong opposition to the deployment, declaring, "we don’t want them here." Bass characterized most of the protests as overwhelmingly peaceful, despite reports of violence and disturbances during the demonstrations, where injuries occurred among both officers and protesters. The mayor criticized the federal government's approach, arguing that it neglected the economic realities faced by immigrant workers, many of whom contribute significantly to the local economy. During her statements, Bass highlighted that certain sectors in Los Angeles could not function effectively without immigrant labor, framing the deportation raids as not only a humanitarian issue but also one of economic viability. She asserted that Trump's administration seemed disconnected from the consequences deportations had on everyday people and local businesses. As the situation unfolded, the deployment of military troops raised serious concerns about the implications of militarization in urban areas, especially given the ongoing tensions around immigration policies. Bass also noted that a curfew had been imposed to prevent further vandalism and looting, signaling the serious nature of the unrest. Overall, the events reflected a deeply divided sentiment in the city regarding immigration, law enforcement, and the role of federal troops during civilian protests.