Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles has ordered a curfew in the city’s downtown area following five days of riots that began after federal immigration agents raided several workplaces. The protests grew violent as fires were set looters broke into stores and rocks were thrown at police. At least 150 arrests have been made with law enforcement warning of ongoing danger in the area. 

“We Reached A Tipping Point” Mayor Bass said during her emergency press conference.

The emergency curfew will be enforced from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday within a one-mile zone bounded by major freeways. Local workers residents and the homeless are exempt but all others are asked to stay away. Bass said the situation was no longer tolerable after 23 businesses were vandalized on Monday night.

Riots Continue Despite Heavy Military Presence in Downtown LA

President Trump ordered thousands of National Guard troops into Los Angeles bypassing Governor Gavin Newsom. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth followed up by deploying 700 Marines to support ICE agents and protect federal buildings. Despite the military response protestors returned in large numbers blocking highways and attempting to overtake Freeway 101 near the immigration services building. Police responded with non-lethal force to break up the standoff and keep traffic flowing. Officials say the violence has steadily increased since the weekend and warn that more action may be needed to restore control. Law enforcement sources said large groups of demonstrators remained defiant and determined to keep marching. The city now braces for another night of unrest as tensions remain high and federal troops remain in place.