Hongkongers warned to be vigilant when travelling to US amid protests in country
Hong Kong authorities have called on residents to be vigilant and prioritise safety when travelling to the United States amid protests in the country.
Los Angeles has been rocked by ongoing immigration-related protests, which escalated after 300 California National Guard troops were deployed on Sunday as part of a larger force mobilised to support federal law enforcement amid escalating clashes between protesters and immigration agents.
'The government reminds Hong Kong residents who are planning to travel to the United States, or are already there, to stay aware of the local situation, increase their vigilance, prioritise their safety, avoid crowded areas, and pay close attention to local announcements regarding the latest developments,' a spokesman said on Monday.
Multiple cities including Los Angeles have been rocked by protests leading to 'violent clashes', the government has said.
While the Security Bureau's outbound travel alert against the US was not currently in force, its website was updated with the warning, saying protests had 'occurred across multiple cities including Los Angeles' since early June, resulting in 'violent clashes and injuries'.
The government also reminded Hong Kong residents in the United States who required help to call the 24-hour hotline operated by the Immigration Department at (852) 1868, or reach out to the department with its mobile app, among other means.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement began an operation targeting illegal immigrants in Los Angeles, California, the second-largest city in the country last Friday, triggering three consecutive days of demonstrations by local residents, leading to clashes with law enforcement officers.
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