Immigration Raids: Mass Arrests Rock Downtown Los Angeles

June 11, 2025 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Nearly 200 people were arrested late Tuesday night in downtown Los Angeles as police enforced a citywide curfew aimed at curbing unrest over federal immigration raids.

Tensions flared for the sixth consecutive night as demonstrators defied an 8 p.m. curfew. Protesters gathered to condemn what they called the “aggressive and discriminatory” tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many remained in the streets after the deadline, leading to swift police action.

Heavily armed officers in riot gear moved in, dispersing crowds with tear gas and flashbang grenades. Dozens of protesters were handcuffed, some forcibly restrained, and loaded into vans. Authorities said most arrests were for violating curfew, though some were tied to vandalism and possession of weapons, including Molotov cocktails.

The crackdown unfolded throughout downtown Los Angeles after Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency earlier in the day. The curfew spanned key protest zones that have seen thousands gather nightly since the start of the demonstrations.

Why is this happening?

The protests were sparked by recent federal immigration raids that many in the community view as excessive and racially motivated. However, the anger now stretches beyond immigration policy. Protesters and civil rights advocates say the demonstrations reflect deeper concerns about the criminalisation of dissent, the scope of federal authority, and the right to protest.

Across the U.S., similar rallies have erupted in response to immigration enforcement. But Los Angeles has become a flashpoint after President Donald Trump ordered federal troops, including Marines and National Guard units, into the city. The White House says it aims to restore order. Critics call it an abuse of federal power.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has openly opposed the deployment. He filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing the troop presence may escalate violence. Although a judge refused to block the deployment for now, legal challenges are ongoing.

What’s next?

As night falls, tensions remain high. Protesters vow to continue marching. City officials brace for more clashes. With Los Angeles at the centre of a growing national debate, the outcome here could shape future policies on civil liberties, immigration, and states’ rights.