Curfew to run through 6 am local time Wednesday and to last “for several days”
Los Angeles, – Several U.S. cities prepared for another wave of protests Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration raids, as parts of Los Angeles remained under curfew following five consecutive nights of unrest.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, announced he would deploy the National Guard this week ahead of planned demonstrations, following clashes between protesters and police in Austin on Monday.
Trump’s decision to send National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles has ignited a fierce national debate over the use of military force on American soil, escalating tensions between the Republican president and California’s Democratic leadership.
“Brazen Abuse of Power” – California Governor Condemns Trump
California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely seen as preparing for a 2028 presidential bid, blasted Trump’s actions in a Tuesday video address.
“This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers, and even our National Guard at risk. That’s when the downward spiral began,” Newsom said. “He again chose escalation. He chose more force. He chose theatrics over public safety. Democracy is under assault.”
Newsom and the state of California filed a lawsuit Monday against Trump and the Defense Department, seeking to block the deployment of federal troops. Trump responded by suggesting Newsom should be arrested.
Marines Deployed as Protests Continue
Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in the Los Angeles area Tuesday under Trump’s orders, joining 4,000 National Guard troops already stationed in the city. Federal officials clarified that the military personnel would only protect government buildings and personnel—not engage in direct law enforcement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the move, insisting that local police could manage the protests, which have been mostly peaceful and confined to a few key streets.
Despite the curfew and heightened security, protest organizers have vowed to continue demonstrations, setting the stage for potential confrontations in the days ahead.
