Downtown LA: Curfew Lifted After Immigration Protests

The downtown Los Angeles curfew, which was put in place to stop looting during immigration protests, has been called off. This decision came from Mayor Karen Bass, who had initially set the curfew to protect local businesses and communities from damage. The curfew was first put into effect on June 10, after some protests turned violent with vandalism and looting. The mayor's office stated that the curfew, along with other crime prevention efforts, had been effective in keeping the peace. The mayor's office had previously eased the curfew hours, pushing the start time back to 10 p. m. from 8 p. m. This change was made to help businesses in the area, which had been struggling due to the earlier curfew time. The curfew had been affecting a one-mile section of downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles City Council had unanimously approved a resolution allowing the mayor to declare a local emergency in the downtown area. This resolution also allows the mayor to reinstate the curfew if needed. Protests in the area began on June 6, after U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents started detaining migrants. While most protests remained peaceful, some turned destructive after dark. Looting and vandalism were blamed on "bad actors" who did not care about the immigrant community. The mayor had previously stated that if the immigration raids stopped, the curfew would likely be lifted. Immigration enforcement operations were expected to continue in the area, following guidance from the Trump administration. The Los Angeles Police Department will continue to have a strong presence in the area and monitor conditions closely. The mayor's priority remains ensuring safety, stability, and support in the downtown neighborhoods. The lifting of the curfew is a step towards normalcy, but the situation remains fluid, and the mayor is prepared to take further action if necessary. The protests were a response to the immigration raids, which had caused significant unrest in the community. The curfew was a measure to prevent further damage and protect local businesses. The resolution approved by the City Council gives the mayor the authority to reinstate the curfew if needed. This flexibility is important, as the situation in the downtown area can change rapidly. The mayor's office has been working closely with local businesses and community leaders to address their concerns and ensure their safety. The lifting of the curfew is a positive step, but it is important to remember that the underlying issues that led to the protests are still present.