Los Angeles, California, has enacted a curfew in response to escalating protests against the federal government’s immigration policies. Mayor Karen Bass announced the curfew will be enforced in a one-square-mile area of downtown Los Angeles from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday as demonstrators voice their dissent against actions taken by the Trump administration.

During a press conference, Bass highlighted the damage incurred during recent protests, noting that 23 businesses experienced looting the previous night and the area has seen significant vandalism. “If you do not live or work in downtown LA, avoid the area. Law enforcement will take action against anyone who breaks the curfew,” she warned.

While Bass acknowledged the curfew would remain in place for several days, she clarified that the order only affects a small portion of the sprawling city, which spans over 500 square miles. “It’s important to note that what is happening in this specific area does not reflect the overall state of the city,” she added, urging residents to not misconstrue the level of unrest.

The decision to impose a curfew came as protests against deportation raids intensified, entering a fifth day in Los Angeles. Major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Atlanta are also witnessing similar unrest. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have condemned the military presence in urban areas, accusing the federal administration of abusing its power and exacerbating community tensions.

In a pointed address, Newsom criticized the Trump administration’s handling of protests and military deployment. “Rather than protecting communities, the government is creating trauma,” he said. He highlighted the disproportionate targeting of vulnerable populations, emphasizing that such tactics undermine public safety.

Activists participating in the vigils against the raids have expressed their frustration with the administration’s messaging, claiming that many individuals caught in the enforcement actions are not violent criminals but hardworking community members seeking a better life. They are calling for an end to the raids and stressing the importance of maintaining peaceful protests to avoid further militarization of their communities.

“I think many protesters understand that violence gives the government an excuse to escalate their response,” said one activist. “Our goal is to demonstrate peacefully.”

As the situation evolves, the federal response has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Trump, while visiting Fort Bragg in North Carolina, defended his administration’s military actions, framing them as necessary to combat what he termed as chaos in “California and beyond.”

The tensions between local officials and the federal government continue to rise, as many in California vow to challenge aggressive tactics that target immigrant communities. Activists are determined to unite against these measures, advocating for reform and community safety.