Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on June 10, 2025, imposed a curfew in portions of Downtown L.A. after escalating protests and violence driven by federal immigration raids. The temporary measure, starting by 10PM declares downtown a hot zone to be under intense law enforcement scrutiny.
/*Why the Curfew Was Enacted*/
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at Home Depots, houses of worship, and other locations triggered mass downtown protests. Protests escalated to violence in some instances, with looting, property damage, and vandalism, including about 23 businesses targeted, prompting Mayor Bass to declare a curfew to prevent further harm. The order covers roughly one square mile, from the 5 to the 110 freeways and north through the 10 freeway.
/*Curfew Rules & Exemptions*/
The nighttime curfew, working night after night, forbids non-essential travel, with major exemptions. Residents, workers, media, and those seeking medical care within the zone are exempt. Rideshare drivers and food deliveries are allowed if they show proof of ongoing trips. Public transport is still running, and unless police action cuts it off, it remains operational. Venues for live performances, including the L.A. Opera's "Rigoletto," have also received special exemptions for ticket holders and performers.
/*Community & Economic Impact*/
Business owners in downtown are increasingly squeezed. Restaurants and hospitality spots see staggering declines, losing as much as $100,000 in a week, as early closures and dwindling customer base take their toll. Citizens of the community report pervasive helicopter surveillance, cop cars cruising heavily, and police cars cutting through streets late at night, creating a sense of tension and vigilantism. Despite it all, protests—peaceful and violent—have persisted throughout the day.
/*Political & Legal Implications*/
Curfew is just part of a larger resistance against federal overreach. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is suing to block the deployment of the National Guard and Marines, labeling it illegal federal overreach. Federal troops—estimated 4,000 Guard and 700 Marines—have been sent out without state approval. Mayor Bass declares that the curfew will remain in place "as long as necessary" tied to the federal presence and ongoing immigration raids.
/*For How Long Will the Curfew Continue?*/
Mayor Bass has been unequivocal: the curfew will continue nightly, indefinitely, until federal military intervention and ICE raids cease, and civil disorder abates. Officials say they are re-evaluating daily, asserting that fewer arrests or averted violence could indicate slowing down. But until soldiers march downtown and protests don't cease, the night-time restrictions stay.