Los Angeles declares state of emergency, imposes downtown curfew; Trump calls protesters "thugs"

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency due to escalating clashes sparked by protests over law enforcement's crackdown on illegal immigrants. A curfew was imposed in parts of downtown Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, expected to last several days. Bass emphasized that the curfew aims to prevent protests from turning into riots involving vandalism and looting. President Donald Trump stated that standby U.S. Marine Corps members and additional National Guard troops would continue to be deployed to Los Angeles until "peace" is restored.

Protests in Los Angeles worsened after nightfall, with frequent incidents of shop looting and vehicle vandalism. Bass clarified that the curfew covers approximately 2.5 square kilometers of downtown, minimally impacting most residents. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michael McDonnell reported ongoing unrest for several days, with arrests rising. On Tuesday alone, 197 people were detained, totaling 387 over the past four days. He stressed that the curfew is a necessary measure to protect lives and property.

Trump: Troops Stay Until Peace Is Restored

Under the curfew, only local residents, media, and emergency personnel are allowed in restricted areas during curfew hours; others risk arrest. CNN reported that on the first night of the curfew, about 10 to 20 people were detained for violations.

Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom as incompetent on Tuesday, claiming his goal is to "save Los Angeles" and restore peace. He said, "If there’s peace, we’ll pull [the National Guard] out. If there’s no hope for peace, we’ll stay until peace is achieved." Labeling protesters as "thugs," Trump warned they face arrest and imprisonment for dangerous acts like throwing stones, assaulting others, or spitting at law enforcement, which he described as belligerent behavior subject to arrest.

Defense Secretary Refuses to Provide Military Spending Details

Defense Secretary Hager Sess testified at a House Budget Committee hearing on Tuesday, estimating that U.S. Marines and other forces deployed to Los Angeles would remain for 60 days at a cost of $134 million (approximately HK$1.05 billion). Sess stated, "We’re ensuring that thugs attacking police and looters know we’re in Los Angeles to protect law enforcement and achieve peace—something Newsom won’t do."

Senior House Budget Committee Defense Subcommittee member, Democratic Representative Betty McCollum, questioned the necessity of deploying Marines to California, demanding spending details. Sess deflected, vaguely stating funds would come from the Defense Department’s operations and maintenance budget, refusing a direct answer.

On Tuesday, California federal Judge Breyer dismissed a lawsuit by the state against Trump and Sess but scheduled a Thursday afternoon hearing to decide on a temporary injunction to halt federal deployment of National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles.

National Guard Sleeping on Floors Sparks Outrage Over Hasty Deployment

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Axios and other media reported viral images of National Guard personnel deployed to Los Angeles "sleeping cramped on floors," drawing criticism that the federal government’s deployment was "hasty and unnecessary." Governor Newsom shared the photos, expressing dissatisfaction and highlighting that soldiers lacked accommodations and supplies.

Newsom Shares Photos to Criticize Deployment

On Monday, Newsom posted on X, sharing the images and slamming Trump’s decision to send 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles: "You send troops here with no fuel, food, water, or even a place to sleep, forcing them to sleep cramped on floors. If anyone disrespects our troops, it’s you. This isn’t about public safety—it’s reckless, pointless, and disrespectful to our troops."

Newsom noted that as of Monday evening, only about 300 National Guard members were actively deployed, with the rest idle in federal buildings without orders.

In response, Pentagon chief spokesperson Parnell accused Newsom on X of using troops as "political props," adding, "By the way, if you did your job, they wouldn’t need to be there. As a soldier, you prepare to sleep in worse conditions. These personnel are resting as they have no current tasks, and moving to better accommodations is deemed too dangerous due to unstable security. Soldiers have access to food and water as needed."

Several Democrats publicly criticized Trump’s military deployment as reckless and unconstitutional, accusing it of escalating tensions and turning California into a "battlefield."

Nearly Half of Americans Oppose Troop Deployment to Los Angeles

A YouGov poll released on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, showed nearly half of Americans disapprove of Trump’s deployment of Marines and National Guard to Los Angeles. In the Tuesday poll, 47% opposed sending Marines to support federal immigration enforcement, while 34% approved. For National Guard deployment, 45% opposed and 38% supported.