Context:

Los Angeles police rapidly enforced a downtown curfew amid protests against President Trump's immigration policies, employing officers on horseback and crowd control projectiles to disperse demonstrators. The National Guard was present but did not engage in arrests, although there were concerns about escalating military involvement in civilian law enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump's actions, warning of heightened tensions and civil unrest, and sought legal intervention to halt military support for immigration agents. Protests, sparked by federal immigration raids, spread to other cities, leading to increased security measures and significant arrests, with the majority related to failure to disperse. Despite the unrest, immigration enforcement continues, prompting widespread community and official response against the perceived overreach of federal authorities.

Dive Deeper:

• Los Angeles police enforced a curfew in response to protests against Trump's immigration crackdown, arresting protesters swiftly and using horses and crowd control measures to manage the large gatherings. National Guard members were present but did not actively participate in the arrests.

• Governor Gavin Newsom accused President Trump of deploying a 'military dragnet' across Los Angeles, escalating the use of the National Guard and Marines, which he argued would increase tension and unrest. Newsom sought a court order to halt military support in aiding federal immigration agents.

• The protests, which began after immigration raids, led to significant demonstrations in Los Angeles and spread to cities like Dallas, Austin, Chicago, and New York, with varying levels of police response and arrests.

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency due to the unrest, implementing a curfew to curb vandalism and looting after multiple businesses were affected. The curfew covered a specific area downtown where protests were concentrated.

• President Trump hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act, a powerful emergency measure, if necessary, while disparaging protesters in a speech, which drew criticism from state leaders who urged resistance against Trump's actions.

• The protests have led to significant community and official backlash against what is perceived as an overreach by federal authorities, with school graduations increasing security due to fears of ICE action, and community groups reporting ICE presence in various public spaces.

• The deployment of the National Guard and Marines to assist in law enforcement activities has sparked debate over the cost and appropriateness of such measures, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested the use of troops within the U.S. could expand further.