After three consecutive days of unrest in Los Angeles, protests against recent immigration raids appear to have eased overnight, bringing a brief calm to the city’s tense atmosphere. Mayor Karen Bass has urged demonstrators to refrain from “violence and chaos” as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
The protests, largely concentrated in downtown LA, had escalated significantly by Sunday night, with several vehicles set ablaze and reports of injuries among both demonstrators and media personnel. According to the BBC’s Peter Bowes, the streets were notably quieter as Sunday gave way to Monday.
One particularly troubling incident involved a British photojournalist who was shot in the face with a sponge bullet. The journalist required surgery, highlighting growing concerns about crowd control measures used by law enforcement during such demonstrations.
Mayor Bass, speaking at a late-night press conference, expressed support for peaceful protest but strongly condemned destructive acts. “This is a city that values free speech,” she said. “But I’m asking our residents not to engage in violence and chaos. That is not the answer.”
The protests, triggered by a new wave of federal immigration raids in Southern California, have reignited tensions between city leaders and the federal government. President Donald Trump has used the unrest to justify deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
According to the White House, the deployment is aimed at “restoring law and order” and preventing what it calls “left-wing lawlessness.” Trump has long pledged to use his presidential powers to crack down on what he describes as “radical elements” disrupting public safety.
The arrival of the National Guard has drawn mixed reactions from local leaders and residents alike. While some welcome the increased security, others see it as an unnecessary escalation that could inflame tensions rather than resolve them.
California officials, including Governor Newsom, have criticized Trump’s decision, arguing that the situation is being politicized. “This is a moment for de-escalation, not militarization,” Newsom said in a Sunday statement.
Despite the overnight calm, the situation remains volatile. Protest organizers have not ruled out further demonstrations in the coming days, particularly if immigration enforcement actions continue.
The protests have also attracted international attention, with media outlets closely following the unfolding events. Authorities have urged demonstrators and journalists alike to remain safe and avoid direct confrontations with law enforcement.
For now, Los Angeles holds its breath as city officials, federal agencies, and protest leaders all seek to navigate a deeply divisive moment one that reflects broader national tensions over immigration, policing, and the right to protest.
