330 Undocumented Migrants Arrested in LA Protests—Here’s What We Know
Los Angeles experienced relative calm after the first night of a curfew, though tensions remain high amid nationwide protests against police brutality. Nearly 400 arrests were made, including 330 undocumented migrants and 157 individuals charged with offenses ranging from assault to attempted murder of an officer. Federal prosecutors charged two men for attacking police with Molotov cocktails. To maintain order, 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines were deployed. As protests continue across the U.S., authorities urge peaceful demonstrations while cracking down on violence.
Ama Boah
Los Angeles, California – After a night of unrest, Los Angeles saw relative calm on Wednesday as a citywide curfew was lifted. However, authorities remain on high alert as protests over police brutality and racial injustice continue to sweep across the United States.
Mayor Bass Blames Trump Immigration Raids for Unrest
Speaking alongside 30 regional mayors at a press conference Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass directly linked the protests to recent immigration enforcement actions. She accused former President Donald Trump’s administration of provoking residents through immigration raids that spread "fear" and "panic" in vulnerable communities.
"These raids weren’t about public safety—they were about terrorizing families," Bass said. "When you deliberately target neighborhoods and separate families, you create the exact conditions for this kind of unrest."
Her remarks came as reports confirmed that 330 undocumented migrants were among nearly 400 people arrested during the protests—a detail fueling debate about the intersection of immigration policy and civil demonstrations.
Hundreds Arrested, Including Undocumented Migrants
According to law enforcement officials, the majority of arrests involved property crimes or curfew violations, but 157 individuals faced more serious charges including assault, obstruction, and one case of attempted murder of a police officer.
Federal Charges for Molotov Cocktail Attacks
Federal prosecutors have charged two men in separate incidents for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers, underscoring the volatility of the protests despite largely peaceful demonstrations in other cities.
Massive Military Deployment
With tensions still simmering, officials have deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines across Los Angeles—one of the largest domestic military mobilizations in recent years. Similar deployments have occurred in Minneapolis, New York, and Atlanta, where protests have repeatedly turned violent.
Nationwide Protests Continue
The unrest in Los Angeles mirrors demonstrations erupting nationwide following the death of George Floyd, whose killing by Minneapolis police ignited a renewed outcry against systemic racism and police brutality. While some cities have seen peaceful marches, others grapple with looting and clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Subsequently?
As Los Angeles braces for further demonstrations, Mayor Bass urged a dual approach: holding violent actors accountable while addressing root causes of anger, including immigration policies and police reform.
"We can’t arrest our way out of this crisis," she said. "Real solutions start with justice—not just in our streets, but in our laws."
Source : BBC
