Police officers arrest protesters marching against immigration raids in Los Angeles - Video

Tensions escalated in downtown Los Angeles as police arrested nearly 200 protesters marching against recent federal immigration raids. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, intensified following the imposition of a nighttime curfew by Mayor Karen Bass. Protesters expressed outrage over aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, including raids in the Fashion District and Home Depot parking lots, which led to the detention of over 100 individuals, some of whom were legally residing in the U.S.

In response to the unrest, President Donald Trump deployed approximately 4,800 National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles. He defended the decision, labelling the city as "under siege" and emphasizing the need to restore order. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned the deployment as an overreach and a violation of state sovereignty, filing a lawsuit to halt the military presence.

The protests, fueled by fears within immigrant communities and concerns over due process, have spread to other U.S. cities. Advocacy groups argue that the federal raids have disrupted daily life and instilled widespread fear among both undocumented and legal residents.

As the situation unfolds, debates continue over the balance between national security and civil liberties, with both local and federal authorities at odds over the appropriate response.