In a bold move that’s making national headlines, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has demanded that President Donald Trump immediately halt the federal immigration raids and military deployment in Los Angeles. The call comes amid escalating tensions in immigrant communities and growing criticism over the militarization of local law enforcement operations.
Mayor Bass, joined by over 30 mayors from surrounding cities, has issued a formal plea to the Trump administration to end what she describes as “intimidation tactics” targeting undocumented residents. These raids, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the support of nearly 5,000 National Guard troops and over 700 U.S. Marines, have sparked outrage among local leaders, immigrant advocacy groups, and civil rights organizations.
Federal Raids Trigger Curfews and Protests in LA
Since early June, ICE agents backed by heavily armed military units have carried out high-profile immigration sweeps in neighborhoods across Los Angeles County. In response, Mayor Bass has enforced a strict nighttime curfew in downtown Los Angeles to reduce unrest. Despite this, tensions have boiled over into the streets. Hundreds have been arrested for curfew violations, and several protest gatherings have turned confrontational.
“This is not about public safety—this is about political theater at the expense of our most vulnerable communities,” Mayor Bass said in a press briefing. “Los Angeles is not a battlefield.”
California Takes Legal Action Against Trump’s Deployment
California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of deploying military forces for immigration enforcement. The case is expected to go before a federal judge in the coming days. Legal experts argue that using active-duty Marines in civilian law enforcement violates the Posse Comitatus Act, a cornerstone of American civil liberties.
Meanwhile, immigrant communities in LA are organizing resistance. Local nonprofit groups are offering legal aid, temporary housing, and emergency hotlines. Many undocumented workers have already stopped showing up to work, fearing arrest or deportation.
Nationwide Response Builds Momentum
What began in LA is now spreading. Protesters in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Austin, and San Antonio have taken to the streets in solidarity. Calls for federal restraint and immigrant protections are echoing throughout the country.
Despite the growing backlash, Trump has doubled down, defending the raids as “necessary for national security” and “long overdue.”
LA Mayor to Call Trump Directly
In a significant escalation, Mayor Bass has announced she will personally call Trump to demand an end to the raids and refocus attention on key national events—particularly the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which Los Angeles is a major host city.
“The world will be watching us,” Bass said. “This is not the image we want to project.”
