Protests Ease, Curfew Lifted in Los Angeles After Federal Raids

The mayor of Los Angeles has officially lifted the emergency curfew that had been imposed across the city’s downtown area following a series of late-night immigration raids and the ensuing protests that rocked the heart of the city for several consecutive nights. The decision comes after a weekend of tense but relatively peaceful demonstrations and widespread calls from civil rights groups and community leaders for a de-escalation of restrictions.

The curfew, which had been enforced nightly from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM since the raids began earlier this week, was put in place amid growing unrest. Thousands of residents took to the streets after federal immigration enforcement agents carried out a coordinated set of operations that led to the detention of over 300 undocumented individuals in the greater Los Angeles area, including families and long-term residents.

A Week of Turmoil

What began as a series of unannounced raids across East LA, Boyle Heights, and South Central rapidly triggered a cascade of emotional and political responses. Protesters quickly gathered in front of key government buildings, chanting slogans in support of immigrant rights and demanding an end to what many called “inhumane, fear-driven enforcement.”

On the second night of protests, tensions escalated when law enforcement officers clashed with demonstrators outside City Hall. Tear gas and rubber bullets were used to disperse crowds after police claimed some demonstrators began throwing objects and attempting to breach security barricades. Arrests were made, including that of a local community organizer, which only intensified public outrage.

By the third night, the city government imposed the curfew as a public safety measure, stating that it was necessary to “maintain order and prevent harm to life and property.” The decision, however, was widely criticized, especially as footage emerged showing peaceful protesters being detained merely for violating curfew hours.

Mayor's Statement and Decision

In a press conference held at City Hall, Mayor Carla Mendoza addressed reporters and residents, announcing the lifting of the curfew and pledging a review of the law enforcement response to both the raids and the protests.

“The people of Los Angeles have a right to voice their pain, frustration, and fear—especially when it concerns the wellbeing of their families and neighbors,” Mayor Mendoza said. “While public safety remains a top priority, the curfew was a temporary measure that has served its purpose and is no longer needed.”

She further emphasized the city’s commitment to inclusivity and vowed to initiate an inquiry into the circumstances and protocols surrounding the immigration enforcement actions that sparked the unrest.

“We cannot allow fear to divide this city. Los Angeles has long been a beacon of hope for immigrants, and we will not lose that identity,” she added.

Community Response: Cautious Optimism

Reactions to the curfew lift have been mixed. Many community organizations welcomed the move but warned that trust between the city’s immigrant communities and local authorities has been severely damaged.

The Coalition for Immigrant Justice, one of the leading voices behind the protests, released a statement acknowledging the end of the curfew as a “step in the right direction,” but reiterated its demand for transparency and accountability.

“Lifting the curfew does not erase the trauma inflicted on families who were dragged from their homes in the middle of the night,” the statement read. “We demand the mayor and city council take concrete steps to ensure that Los Angeles is never complicit in mass detentions again.”

Protesters who had been camped outside the Metropolitan Detention Center also celebrated the news, chanting, “We’re still here, and we’re not going anywhere,” late into the night.

Federal Silence, Local Frustration

The Department of Homeland Security has yet to issue a full statement regarding the raids, though a brief notice confirmed that the operation was part of a nationwide immigration enforcement initiative targeting undocumented individuals with existing deportation orders. However, several legal aid groups have contested the legitimacy of many of those detentions, claiming that in multiple cases, family members with no pending deportation orders were also apprehended.

This has created significant friction between federal and local authorities. Mayor Mendoza revealed that the city was not notified in advance about the scope of the raids and that her office would be seeking answers from Washington.

Councilmember Luis Herrera, who represents a large portion of East Los Angeles, expressed deep anger over what he called a “betrayal of trust” by federal agencies.

“How can we govern our communities when we are kept in the dark about actions that tear them apart?” he asked during a council session. “The federal government must answer to the people of Los Angeles.”

Legal Action and Next Steps

As legal aid groups continue working to track down those detained and provide legal representation, the City Attorney’s Office has indicated it is exploring legal avenues to push back against what it terms “unauthorized overreach” by federal agencies operating within city limits.

Meanwhile, the mayor announced plans to convene a special task force composed of community leaders, legal experts, and local law enforcement to assess the city’s current cooperation policies with federal immigration agencies.

The group is expected to evaluate whether Los Angeles should strengthen its "sanctuary city" status and cut all non-essential communication with federal immigration enforcement bodies.

The Broader Implication

The events of the past week have reignited a national debate about immigration policy, the role of local government in federal enforcement actions, and the limits of public protest in an age of heightened surveillance and emergency orders.

Civil liberties organizations have raised alarms about the broader implications of curfews being used to stifle dissent, especially in marginalized communities.

“This curfew may be lifted, but the precedent remains,” said a representative from the Liberty Watch Foundation. “Cities must be careful not to allow public safety to become a justification for silencing public anger, especially when it is rooted in real harm.”

A City at a Crossroads

As dawn broke over a curfew-free downtown Los Angeles, the city remained on edge but cautiously hopeful. The streets that had echoed with chants, sirens, and helicopters for nearly a week were now quieter, but the underlying tensions remained unresolved.

The mayor’s decision to lift the curfew may offer a momentary reprieve, but the city’s next steps—toward justice, transparency, and healing—will determine whether this becomes just another episode in a cycle of unrest or a real turning point for how Los Angeles protects and values its immigrant population.

For now, the barricades have come down, but the demands remain loud and clear: dignity, accountability, and the right to live without fear.