Police detain more than 20 people on first night of curfew in downtown Los Angeles
A protester is arrested by California Highway Patrol near the federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday.
By CHRISTOPHER WEBER, AMY TAXIN, JAKE OFFENHARTZ and JOHN SEEWER
Police detained more than 20 people, mostly on curfew violations, on the first night of restrictions in downtown Los Angeles and used crowd-control projectiles to break up hundreds of protesters demonstrating against President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, officials said Wednesday.
But there were fewer clashes between police and demonstrators than on previous nights, and by daybreak, the downtown streets were bustling with residents walking dogs and commuters clutching coffee cups.
Officials said the curfew was necessary to stop vandalism and theft by agitators after five days of protests, which have mostly been concentrated downtown. Demonstrations have also spread to other cities nationwide, including Dallas and Austin in Texas, and Chicago and New York, where thousands rallied and more arrests were made.
LA's nightly curfew, which the mayor said would remain in effect as long as necessary, covers a 1-square-mile (2.5-square-kilometer) section that includes an area where protests have occurred since Friday in the sprawling city of 4 million. The city of Los Angeles encompasses roughly 500 square miles (1,295 square kilometers).
"If there are raids that continue, if there are soldiers marching up and down our streets, I would imagine that the curfew will continue,' Mayor Karen Bass said.
The tensions in LA and elsewhere emerged as immigration authorities seek to dramatically increase the number of daily arrests across the country.
Bass said the raids spread fear across the city at the behest of the White House.
'We started off by hearing the administration wanted to go after violent felons, gang members, drug dealers,' she told a news conference. 'But when you raid Home Depots and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you run armored caravans through our streets, you're not trying to keep anyone safe. You're trying to cause fear and panic.'
Referring to the protests, she added: 'If you drive a few blocks outside of downtown, you don't know that anything is happening in the city at all.'
Some 2,000 National Guard soldiers are in the city, and about half of them have been protecting federal buildings and agents, said Army Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, head of Task Force 51, which is overseeing the deployment of National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles.
About 700 Marines will soon join the Guard troops, but they are still undergoing training and will not be mobilized Wednesday, Sherman said. Another 2,000 Guard troops should be on the streets by Thursday, he said.
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has accused Trump of drawing a 'military dragnet' across the nation's second-largest city with his escalating use of the National Guard, which Trump activated, along with the Marines, over the objections of city and state leaders.
Newsom asked a court to put an emergency stop to the military helping federal immigration agents. The assistance includes some guardsmen now standing protectively around agents as they carry out arrests.
A judge set a hearing for Thursday, giving the administration several days to continue its activities.
The change moves the military closer to engaging in law enforcement actions such as deportations, as Trump has promised as part of his immigration crackdown. The Guard has the authority to temporarily detain people who attack officers, but any arrests would be made by law enforcement.
The president posted on the Truth Social platform that the city 'would be burning to the ground' if he had not sent in the military.
Meanwhile in New York City, police said they took 86 people into custody during protests in lower Manhattan that lasted into Wednesday morning. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the vast majority of demonstrators were peaceful.
A 66-year-old woman in Chicago was injured when she was struck by a car during downtown protests Tuesday evening, police said. Video showed a car speeding down a street where people were protesting.
In Texas, where police in Austin used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators Monday, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's office said Texas National Guard troops were 'on standby" in areas where demonstrations are planned.
Guard members were sent to San Antonio, but Police Chief William McManus said he had not been told how many troops were deployed or their role ahead of planned protests Wednesday night and Saturday.
Two people accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at police during the LA protests over the weekend face charges that could bring up to 10 years in prison, the Justice Department announced Wednesday. No one was injured by the devices.
One of the suspects is a U.S. citizen, and the other overstayed a tourist visa and was in the U.S. illegally, authorities said.
'We are looking at hundreds of people,' U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said. 'If you took part in these riots and were looking to cause trouble, we will come looking for you.'
Trump has called the protesters 'animals' and 'a foreign enemy' and described Los Angeles in dire terms that the governor says is nowhere close to the truth.
Newsom called Trump's actions the start of an 'assault' on democracy.
'California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next,' he said.
The protests began Friday after federal immigration raids arrested dozens of workers in Los Angeles. Protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, and police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades.
Thousands of people have peacefully rallied outside City Hall and hundreds more protested outside a federal complex that includes a detention center where some immigrants are being held following workplace raids.
Despite the protests, immigration enforcement activity has continued throughout the county, with city leaders and community groups reporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement present at libraries, car washes and Home Depots. School graduations in Los Angeles have increased security over fears of ICE action, and some have offered parents the option to watch on Zoom.
Los Angeles police detained 200 people related to the protests throughout the day on Tuesday, including 67 who were occupying a freeway, according to the city's chief.
The majority of arrests since the protests began have been for failing to disperse, while a few others were for assault with a deadly weapon, looting and vandalism. At least seven police officers have been injured.
Associated Press writers Julie Watson in San Diego, Jesse Bedayn in Denver, Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.
© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Today
an hour ago
- Japan Today
Trump says U.S. Steel controlled by him with 'golden share'
The United States has a "golden share" in United States Steel Corp, President Donald Trump said Thursday, adding it will be controlled by him after Nippon Steel Corp's massive investment in the iconic American producer. "We have a golden share, which I control, or a president controls. Now I'm a little concerned whoever the president might be, but that gives you total control," Trump said at a White House event. Trump also said, "It's 51 percent ownership by Americans." But he did not provide details on how the deal between the major Japanese steelmaker and the struggling American company is structured, leaving investors and many other people confused. A golden share is a type of stock that gives veto power over major management decisions, such as slashing production capacity. But it was not immediately clear how such a share would allow a controlling stake in U.S. Steel to be owned by Americans. Nippon Steel has sought to make U.S. Steel a wholly owned subsidiary. In late May, a senator from Pennsylvania, where U.S. Steel is headquartered, said the Japanese company had pledged to ensure most board members in the American producer would come from the United States. As a condition for permitting Nippon Steel to partner with U.S. Steel, Pennsylvania Sen Dave McCormick told CNBC that the U.S. government is poised to receive the special type of stock. "The control structure is going to be somewhat unique. It's a national security agreement that will be signed with the U.S. government," the Republican senator said. "There'll be a golden share that will essentially require U.S. government approval of a number of the board members, and that will allow the United States to ensure production levels aren't cut." During a speech at a U.S. Steel plant in Pennsylvania on May 30, Trump heaped praise on Nippon Steel over what he views as its partnership deal with U.S. Steel, and offered backing for the Japanese company's $14 billion investment into the American producer. At the time, he also said, "Most importantly, U.S. Steel will continue to be controlled by the USA." © KYODO
The Mainichi
an hour ago
- The Mainichi
Trump says US Steel controlled by him with "golden share"
WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The United States has a "golden share" in United States Steel Corp., President Donald Trump said Thursday, adding it will be controlled by him after Nippon Steel Corp.'s massive investment in the iconic American producer. "We have a golden share, which I control, or a president controls. Now I'm a little concerned whoever the president might be, but that gives you total control," Trump said at a White House event. Trump also said, "It's 51 percent ownership by Americans." But he did not provide details on how the deal between the major Japanese steelmaker and the struggling American company is structured, leaving investors and many other people confused. A golden share is a type of stock that gives veto power over major management decisions, such as slashing production capacity. But it was not immediately clear how such a share would allow a controlling stake in U.S. Steel to be owned by Americans. Nippon Steel has sought to make U.S. Steel a wholly owned subsidiary. In late May, a senator from Pennsylvania, where U.S. Steel is headquartered, said the Japanese company had pledged to ensure most board members in the American producer would come from the United States. As a condition for permitting Nippon Steel to partner with U.S. Steel, Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick told CNBC that the U.S. government is poised to receive the special type of stock. "The control structure is going to be somewhat unique. It's a national security agreement that will be signed with the U.S. government," the Republican senator said. "There'll be a golden share that will essentially require U.S. government approval of a number of the board members, and that will allow the United States to ensure production levels aren't cut." During a speech at a U.S. Steel plant in Pennsylvania on May 30, Trump heaped praise on Nippon Steel over what he views as its partnership deal with U.S. Steel, and offered backing for the Japanese company's $14 billion investment into the American producer. At the time, he also said, "Most importantly, U.S. Steel will continue to be controlled by the USA."
Japan Today
an hour ago
- Japan Today
Hegseth says the Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland, Panama if necessary
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fields questions on the Pentagon budget from the House Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary but refused to answer repeated questions at a hotly combative congressional hearing Thursday about his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations. Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief. In one back-and-forth, Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., asked whether the Pentagon has developed plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary. 'Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency,' Hegseth said several times. It is not unusual for the Pentagon to draw up contingency plans for conflicts that have not arisen, but his handling of the questions prompted a Republican lawmaker to step in a few minutes later. 'It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct?' said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio. As Hegseth started to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Turner added emphatically, 'I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.' 'We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats,' Hegseth responded. Time and again, lawmakers pressed Hegseth to answer questions he has avoided for months, including during the two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And frustration boiled over. "You're an embarrassment to this country. You're unfit to lead," Rep. Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrat's voice rising. 'You should just get the hell out.' GOP lawmakers on several occasions apologized to Hegseth for the Democrats' sharp remarks, saying he should not be subject to such 'flagrant disrespect.' Hegseth said he was 'happy to take the arrows' to make tough calls and do what's best. Hegseth's use of two Signal chats to discuss details of the U.S. plans to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen with other U.S. leaders as well as members of his family prompted dizzying exchanges with lawmakers. Hegseth was pressed multiple times over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did. Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed with lawmakers. That became a quick trap, as Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted — on strike times and munitions dropped in March — was classified. His questioner, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity. 'You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified,' Moulton said. 'What's not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission,' Hegseth responded. A Pentagon watchdog report on his Signal use is expected soon. Moulton asked Hegseth whether he would hold himself accountable if the inspector general finds that he placed classified information on Signal, a commercially available app. Hegseth would not directly say, only noting that he serves 'at the pleasure of the president.' He was asked if he would apologize to the mother of a pilot flying the strike mission for jeopardizing the operation and putting her son's life at risk. Hegseth said, 'I don't apologize for success.' Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who appeared along Hegseth, was questioned about Trump's speech at Fort Bragg this week and whether the military was becoming politicized. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump at Fort Bragg, and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up MAGA merchandise stand selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. Caine repeatedly said U.S. service members must be apolitical but that he was unaware of anything that happened at Fort Bragg. Hegseth got into a sharp debate about whether women and transgender service members should serve in the military or combat jobs. He said he has worked to remove diversity programs and political correctness from the military. He said he has not politicized the military but simply wants the most capable troops. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., demanded to know if Hegseth believes that both men and women can pull a trigger, cause death, operate a drone or launch a missile. 'It depends on the context,' Hegseth said, adding that 'women carry equipment differently, a 155 round differently, a rucksack differently.' Hegseth, who has previously said women 'straight up' should not serve in combat, asserted that women have joined the military in record numbers under the Trump administration. He said the military 'standards should be high and equal.' He also was asked about three female service members — now being forced out as part of the Pentagon's move to ban transgender troops. Hegseth agreed that their accomplishments — which Houlahan read out — were to be celebrated, until he learned they were transgender. Republican lawmakers jumped to his defense, criticizing any Pentagon spending on gender transition surgery. President Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants to take control of the strategic, mineral-rich island nation of Greenland, long a U.S. ally. Those remarks have been met with flat rejections from Greenland's leaders. 'Greenland is not for sale,' Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenland's representative to the U.S, said Thursday at a forum in Washington sponsored by the Arctic Institute. In an effort not to show the Pentagon's hand on its routine effort to have plans for everything, Hegseth danced around the direct question from Smith, leading to the confusion. 'Speaking on behalf of the American people, I don't think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland,' Smith said. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
