2 days ago
UK government issues warning to all citizens travelling to the U.S. in update
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the US after a week of unrest in Los Angeles following US immigration raids
The UK government has today issued urgent advice for anyone travelling to the US, prompted by the Foreign Office following a spate of protests in Los Angeles as massive deportation raids sparked public dissent.
After Los Angeles endured another night under curfew amid ongoing civil unrest related to US immigration enforcement, British officials have updated travel guidance, drawing attention to the robust police measures in place.
Officials said: "Demonstrations and protests are taking place in Los Angeles. Media reports suggest the police response has included use of flash-bangs, tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber/sponge bullets."
Foreign office said UK citizens should:
monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities
plan ahead to avoid disruption
stay away from crowds and demonstrations
The Foreign Office has given cautionary advice to UK nationals, highlighting the need for vigilance during these times.
In response to the escalating situation, federal prosecutors have charged two individuals with hurling Molotov cocktails at law enforcement officers in separate episodes. An imposing presence of 4,000 National Guard soldiers alongside 700 Marines has been mobilised to stabilise the unrest, with some Guardsmen now empowered to detain individuals pending police arrest, reports the Express US.
Earlier on Wednesday evening, hundreds convened at Los Angeles City Hall for a protest that was later disbanded by police enforcement. As the curfew took effect, LA Mayor Karen Bass posted on Twitter explaining that it was implemented as a measure to "stop bad actors who are taking advantage of the president's chaotic escalation".
She previously attributed the demonstrations to US President Donald Trump's immigration raids, asserting they "provoked" the community by engendering "fear" and "panic". "A week ago, everything was peaceful," she remarked during a press briefing on Wednesday.
"Things began to be difficult on Friday when raids took place." Bass insinuated that Los Angeles is "part of a national experiment to determine how far the federal government can go in taking over power from a local government, from a local jurisdiction".
She has consistently urged the administration to halt the raids.
Following a fifth night of unrest over the immigration measures, Los Angeles police reported that "mass arrests" were carried out late Tuesday into Wednesday. The Police Department issued statements detailing that 203 individuals were detained for failure to disperse, 17 for breaking curfew, three for carrying a firearm, and one for assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon.
According to the department's account, two officers sustained injuries in the fracas.
