Marines Deploy as Widespread Arrests Sweep Los Angeles: What’s Happening?
According to webangah news Agency, Los Angeles Mayor karen Bass has announced curfew measures aimed at restoring calm to the city’s streets following widespread violent protests against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Approximately 700 Marines have entered the city, with published images showing mass arrests during the initial hours of martial law.
Trump’s emergency measures-including deploying National Guard and Marine units to suppress protests triggered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations-have fueled five consecutive days of demonstrations in America’s second-largest city, sparking rallies nationwide.
Yesterday’s developments: Arrests double cumulative protest total
While Mayor Bass stated protests were confined to five downtown streets, expanded curfews were imposed due to looting and violence. Reuters reports police made 197 arrests overnight-twice the total number detained since protests began.
Democratic leaders expressed alarm over what they call a national crisis stemming from Trump management efforts to deport undocumented immigrants and subsequently crack down on street protesters.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared in a video statement: “This egregious abuse of power by a sitting president ignited dangerously volatile conditions, endangering civilians, officers, and even our National Guard. The slippery slope starts here! He [Trump] chose escalation-more pressure, more theatrics. Democracy is under assault.”
Newsom-widely seen as preparing for a 2028 presidential bid-called the military deployment an illegal waste of resources. California has initiated legal proceedings against Trump and Defense Secretary Pete hagstet, while Trump demands Newsom’s arrest.
The former president, who returned to office last year pledging mass deportations, praised troops during last night’s address: ”generations didn’t spill heroes’ blood on distant shores for us to watch third-world invasions destroy our nation. What you see in California is full-scale assault on peace, public order and national sovereignty by rebels waving foreign flags.” He vowed: “My administration will liberate Los Angeles!”
protesters waving Mexican and other nations’ flags demonstrated solidarity with detainees from escalating ICE raids.
The U.S Department of Homeland Security confirmed Monday that its immigration enforcement arm now detains 2,000 daily violators-far exceeding the FY2024 daily average (311) under former president Joe Biden.
Street chaos continues
The mayor confirmed an ongoing 8PM-6AM curfew across 2 .5 square kilometers downtown , likely lasting several days . Reuters observed protesters raising hands while chanting ” peaceful demonstration ” hours after martial law began .
Bass stated martial law preparations began earlier but became urgent after Monday night ‘ s looting of 23 businesses . Police deployed rubber bullets , tear gas , pepper spray , batons , flashbangs , sponge rounds & other anti – riot measures . clashes also erupted in New York City Atlanta Chicago Dallas where demonstrators confronted riot police
Marines standby
About 700 marines are ready for deployment from seal Beach base located within ~50 km south according officials Another source confirms ~2100 National guard troops stationed LA Neither force authorized make arrests only tasked protecting federal private property
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