Los Angeles is in turmoil for the fifth day of protests against US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Mass arrests are taking place across the city and Mayor Karen Bass has imposed a curfew in the city’s downtown area. At the same time, immigration enforcement continues and National Guard troops have been deployed to protect border control agents.
Protests in Los Angeles are intensifying in response to the anti-immigration crackdown that began on Friday. Los Angeles police said they have made mass arrests. Mayor Karen Bass has declared an overnight curfew in a relatively small area of downtown. She said businesses are being vandalized and looted.
Immigration enforcement continues in other places. Deployed National Guard troops are now providing protection for border control agents during law enforcement operations.
President Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles has escalated his conflict with state officials. The president has vowed to liberate the city. But California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused Trump of attacking democracy.
On Tuesday, Trump justified his decision to send 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, saying it was to protect the city from being overrun by foreign enemies. The troops do not have the power to make arrests and are tasked only with protecting federal property and personnel.
Governor Newsom sharply criticized the president’s move, saying he has chosen to escalate tensions again. He has chosen to use more force. The California governor, who is seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate, warned that other states could be next.
After Los Angeles’ curfew went into effect at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday, police began firing rubber bullets to disperse crowds. The Los Angeles Police Department later said multiple groups were still gathering downtown.
Source: BBC