National Guard Deployed in Texas Amid Los Angeles Curfew During Protests

On June 11, 2025, Los Angeles implemented an overnight curfew as protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies continued for a fifth consecutive day. As tensions escalated in California's largest city, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the curfew, which began at 8 PM local time and is set to last until 6 AM, aiming to curb increasing instances of looting and civil unrest (Hewson, 2025). This decision coincided with Texas Governor Greg Abbott's announcement of National Guard deployments across Texas to assist local law enforcement in managing similar protests in his state.

The protests in Los Angeles, which erupted following aggressive immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have spread across numerous U.S. cities including Philadelphia, Seattle, and New York City, highlighting widespread discontent with the Trump administration's immigration policies (ABC News, 2025). Governor Newsom condemned the deployment of military forces, describing it as a "military dragnet" that undermines civil liberties (Hewson, 2025).

According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, approximately 2,100 National Guard troops have been stationed in Los Angeles and an additional 2,000 troops are expected to assist in maintaining order. The deployment is set to last for 60 days, though President Trump remarked that the military presence would remain until peace is restored (Hewson, 2025).

The curfew affects a one-square-mile area in downtown Los Angeles, with law enforcement officials warning that violators would face arrest and prosecution. The LAPD reported ongoing gatherings in defiance of the curfew, leading to mass arrests (Hewson, 2025).

The protests were initially sparked by a large-scale ICE operation that led to numerous arrests, igniting fears among local immigrant communities. Reports indicate that many individuals legally residing in the U.S. were also caught in the raids, which have seen an increase in arrests amidst the Trump administration's push for stricter immigration enforcement (Hewson, 2025; Newsom, 2025).

In a press briefing, Governor Newsom criticized President Trump for exploiting the unrest for political gain, asserting that the administration's policies are inciting division and unrest across the nation. Newsom's remarks reflect broader concerns among Democratic leaders regarding Trump's approach to immigration and civil rights (Hewson, 2025).

As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how these protests will impact local and national politics, particularly in the context of upcoming elections. The deployment of military forces in civilian settings raises significant questions about the intersection of law enforcement and military operations in the U.S., as well as the implications for civil liberties and community relations (Hewson, 2025; Newsom, 2025). The ongoing unrest underscores a pivotal moment in American society concerning immigration policy and the role of the federal government in local law enforcement.

### References: - Hewson, Georgie. "National Guard deployed in Texas as curfew begins in Los Angeles on day five of immigration protests." ABC News. June 11, 2025. - Newsom, Gavin. Statements on the curfew and military deployment. California Government. June 11, 2025.