L.A. Mayor Eases Downtown Curfew After Week of Protests

(LibertySociety.com) – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass scaled back the city’s downtown curfew on June 17, 2025, signaling a temporary de-escalation in the immigration protests that have gripped the city for nearly two weeks amid controversial ICE raids and an unprecedented federal military deployment that has sparked a constitutional crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Mayor Bass reduced curfew restrictions on June 17 as anti-ICE protests showed signs of easing, adjusting from the original 8 PM to 6 AM timeframe
• The protests erupted after ICE conducted surprise raids targeting undocumented immigrants at Home Depot parking lots and garment district businesses, arresting over 100 individuals
• President Trump unilaterally deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines without California Governor Newsom’s consent, creating a major federal-state conflict
• Local officials continue opposing federal immigration tactics while Trump has renewed calls for expanded deportations in Democratic-led cities

Curfew Scaled Back as Protests Show Signs of Easing

After a week of intense demonstrations and civil unrest, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a scaling back of the downtown curfew on June 17, 2025. The curfew, initially imposed on June 10 following violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, had restricted movement from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM in a zone bounded by major freeways. The decision to reduce restrictions came as protests showed signs of stabilizing, though specific new hours weren’t detailed in official statements.

The original curfew order included exemptions for residents, workers, and essential personnel who were required to carry documentation proving their need to be in the restricted area. This partial lockdown approach aimed to control the situation while minimizing disruption to necessary city functions. The scaling back represents the first sign that authorities believe the most volatile phase of the demonstrations may be subsiding, though tensions remain high throughout the city.

ICE Raids Spark Widespread Protests

The unrest began on June 6 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted unannounced raids targeting undocumented workers at locations like Home Depot parking lots and garment district businesses. These operations resulted in over 100 arrests, igniting immediate backlash from immigrant rights advocates and community members. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into confrontations with police, property damage, and widespread disruption across downtown Los Angeles.

“I have no idea what the Marines are going to do here,” said Mayor Karen Bass, expressing clear opposition to the military response ordered by the federal government.

The protests represent the latest flashpoint in America’s ongoing immigration debate, with demonstrators decrying what they characterize as inhumane enforcement tactics. Critics of the protests point to property damage and disruption to local businesses already struggling with inflation and economic challenges. The situation has drawn national attention as images of confrontations between protesters and law enforcement circulate widely on social media.

Constitutional Crisis: Federal-State Power Struggle Intensifies

In a move that has created a serious constitutional confrontation, President Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent. This unprecedented federal intervention has been characterized by state leaders as a “breach of sovereignty” and has dramatically escalated tensions between federal and state authorities. The deployment represents a significant expansion of federal power into state affairs.

Governor Newsom has been vocal in his opposition to what he views as federal overreach, while Mayor Bass has questioned the necessity and legality of bringing military forces into a civilian protest situation. The conflict highlights the growing divide between federal immigration policies and the positions of Democratic-led states and cities that have adopted more protective stances toward immigrant communities.

Legal experts suggest this confrontation could potentially lead to court challenges that may ultimately reach the Supreme Court, testing the boundaries of federal authority versus states’ rights in immigration enforcement matters. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for similar situations in other parts of the country.

Trump Doubles Down on Deportation Agenda

Even as the situation in Los Angeles shows signs of de-escalation, President Trump has renewed calls for expanded deportations in Democratic-led cities across the nation. This hardline stance appears designed to fulfill campaign promises to his base while putting pressure on local officials who have resisted federal immigration enforcement efforts. The president’s approach has been characterized by critics as deliberately provocative and potentially designed to create political confrontations.

The administration’s focus on sanctuary cities and states has been a consistent theme, with officials arguing that local resistance to federal immigration enforcement endangers public safety and undermines the rule of law. Supporters of the president’s policies point to cases where undocumented immigrants with criminal records have been shielded from deportation by local policies limiting cooperation with ICE.

As the situation continues to evolve, residents of Los Angeles are being urged to monitor official channels for updates about curfew modifications and other emergency measures. City officials have emphasized the need for peaceful expression of political views while warning that acts of violence or property destruction will not be tolerated.

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