Los Angeles experienced calm Tuesday as the mayor lifted a nighttime curfew, while President Donald Trump fights to keep control of California troops whom he previously deployed to the protest-hit city. A fraction of the sprawling US city had been off-limits from 8pm to 6am for a week due to instances of looting and vandalism during demonstrations against Trump’s immigration raids.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that the curfew had been largely successful since it protected stores, restaurants, businesses, and residential communities from bad actors. However, she added that, “as we continue quickly adapting to chaos coming from Washington,” she was prepared to reissue a curfew if needed.
Washington’s Chaos Continues
Bass and other California officials have accused Trump of inflaming tensions by sending 4,000 of the state’s National Guard troops. Additionally, he deployed 700 Marines to the second-largest US city, ignoring the objections of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
However, a judge said Tuesday that the Republican president’s actions were “illegal,” ordering that he returns control of the force to Newsom. However, a higher court paused that ruling after the Trump administration lodged an appeal. The administration slammed the judge’s order as an “extraordinary intrusion on the President’s constitutional authority as Commander in Chief.”
Legal Clash Over Military Control
At an appeals hearing Tuesday, the Justice Department argued that Trump needed to keep control of California’s troops to ensure federal immigration officers carry out arrests without threats from the public. “Unfortunately, local authorities are either unable or unwilling to protect federal personnel and property from the mob violence ongoing in Los Angeles today,” said Brett Shumate.
California officials have rejected that charge, insisting that Trump’s use of the military has escalated demonstrations in Los Angeles, saying the local law enforcement could have handled the situation. Samuel Harbourt, representing Newsom and California, pointed out that local authorities in Los Angeles have made around 1,000 arrests during the disorder.
Democracy and Precedent
He argued the order harms “democratic tradition of separation of the military from civilian affairs,” setting a precedent for future presidents, he added. Guard members protect federal property, but cannot arrest citizens, though some have fired tear gas, local media reported.
This marks the first Guard deployment since 1965 without a governor’s express wish. Trump remains unrepentant, taking credit for making Los Angeles “safe.” He also claimed Newsom “totally lost control.”
The dispute mirrors multiple other tussles over Trump’s attempts to expand the limits of presidential power. However, the case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, where conservative judges hold a 6-3 majority.
Many in Los Angeles are angry about immigration raids carried out as part of Trump’s ambition to deport vast numbers of undocumented migrants around the country. Outrage at the use of masked, armed immigration agents has also sparked protests in other cities, including San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and San Antonio, Texas.
