Why Were Nearly 400 People Arrested in Los Angeles Immigration Protests?
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Synopsis
A wave of immigration protests has led to nearly 400 arrests in Los Angeles. As tensions rise, looting and curfews add to the city's unrest. Discover the unfolding events and the reactions from local authorities and the federal government.
Key Takeaways
- Almost 400 arrests made during immigration protests in Los Angeles.
- Curfew imposed in response to vandalism and looting.
- President Trump deployed National Guard troops to the area.
- Protests have spread to multiple cities across the nation.
- Local businesses faced significant damage during unrest.
Los Angeles, June 12 (NationPress) Almost 400 individuals have been taken into custody or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department amidst ongoing immigration protests since Saturday, according to various media sources.
The detainees include 330 undocumented immigrants and 157 individuals apprehended for assault and obstruction, as reported by Xinhua news agency, citing BBC News.
During the inaugural night of a curfew that commenced on Tuesday evening in the second largest city in the US, law enforcement recorded 203 arrests for failure to disperse and 17 arrests related to curfew violations, as stated in a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Mayor Karen Bass declared on Tuesday evening that a curfew would be enforced in certain areas of downtown Los Angeles, effective from 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday (local time) to 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday (local time).
This curfew was instituted as a reaction to looting and vandalism that took place downtown on Monday night, following predominantly peaceful protests during the day.
Masked looters targeted numerous businesses, including an Apple Store, where they shattered windows and stole electronic goods. They also vandalized the building with graffiti.
Other businesses affected included Adidas stores, pharmacies, marijuana dispensaries, and jewelry shops. Videos circulating online depict extensive vandalism, with shelves emptied and storefronts damaged.
Law enforcement responded with arrests as the disorder escalated, and the Los Angeles Police Department found itself overwhelmed by the unrest.
President Donald Trump has deployed over 4,000 National Guard troops and around 700 active-duty Marines to the Los Angeles region despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials.
The President cited an "assault on peace and public order" and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used federal law, to suppress the protests.
Demonstrations against the Trump administration's immigration policies have surged and expanded well beyond Los Angeles, with thousands gathering in at least two dozen cities, according to US media.
In Los Angeles, protesters briefly obstructed traffic on the 101 Freeway, while in Chicago, large crowds marched through several main streets of the downtown Loop, briefly halting traffic. Police helicopters hovered above as demonstrators moved among stopped buses, with one Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus tagged with anti-police and anti-ICE graffiti. The Chicago Tribune reported no immediate arrests.
Similar scenarios unfolded in New York, where demonstrators marched from Lower Manhattan, near the federal immigration office, while in Atlanta, around 1,000 protesters lined Buford Highway, with hundreds later marching into Doraville, leading to a standoff with local police.
Protests also spread to San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Washington, with varying levels of police engagement and tension.
Point of View
We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent protests in Los Angeles. The events reflect a broader national sentiment regarding immigration policies and civil rights. It's essential to highlight the voices of those affected while ensuring that the information presented is balanced and factual.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the protests in Los Angeles?
The protests were primarily ignited by opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies and actions.
How many people were arrested during the protests?
Nearly 400 individuals have been arrested or detained by the LAPD since the protests began.
What measures have been taken to control the protests?
A curfew was imposed by Mayor Karen Bass in response to looting and vandalism, and National Guard troops were deployed by President Trump.
Which businesses were affected by the looting?
Businesses such as Apple Stores, Adidas outlets, pharmacies, and jewelry stores were targeted by looters.
What is the national response to these protests?
Demonstrations have spread to several cities across the US, showcasing widespread concern over immigration issues.
