From Uprisings to Curfews: Inside L.A.’s Ongoing Protest Movement
Two Weeks After ICE Raids, Los Angeles Struggles to Heal as Court Upholds Trump’s Military Control
It has been just over two weeks since a series of aggressive ICE raids across Los Angeles ignited one of the most intense protest movements the city has seen in decades.
The raids triggered not only street demonstrations and legal challenges but also a creeping atmosphere of fear and instability in one of the country’s most diverse urban centers.
Court Ruling: Trump Retains Control of National Guard
Yesterday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of President Trump, allowing him to retain federal control over more than 4,000 National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles.
The court cited the Insurrection Act and “threats to federal property” as justification, rebuffing California’s legal challenge.
Governor Newsom called the deployment “an authoritarian overreach,” while immigrant rights groups say the ruling sets a chilling precedent for domestic military action against civilians.
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Los Angeles: Nearly Half Latino, Now Under Siege
Nearly 48% of L.A. County residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. That’s not just a demographic stat—that’s half the city’s workforce, families, teachers, nurses, cooks, delivery drivers, veterans, and children.
And now, they’re afraid to step outside.
Living in Fear of the Knock
In neighborhoods from Boyle Heights to South Gate, the fear is raw:
“We’re hiding in our own homes,” said Veronica Jimenez, a second-generation Mexican-American.
Marcos Alvarado, a legal resident of 30 years, was briefly detained after ICE claimed he "matched a profile." He now contemplates self-deportation.
A vendor in Westlake said, “It’s a risk to come to work. It’s a risk not to.”
Even children are affected. Lisette Sanchez, a high school counselor, says students are reporting anxiety, insomnia, and panic attacks:
"They're not just worried about their own safety—they're terrified their parents won’t be there when they get home."
Downtown Militarized
Since June 8, the National Guard has patrolled areas surrounding federal buildings downtown. They remain fully deployed under Trump’s control.
A legal tug-of-war has emerged between federal and state authorities, with California’s appeals likely headed to the Supreme Court.
These Are Real People, Not Headlines
At a recent vigil at City Hall, an 8-year-old girl whispered into a megaphone:
“Please don’t take my mom away. She is good. She works. She loves me.”
People cried. Some clapped. Others prayed.
In the stands at Dodger Stadium, the sight of plainclothes CBP agents caused enough concern that the Dodgers asked them to leave the property.
Community Response: Fear Meets Fierce Solidarity
Unión del Barrio patrols neighborhoods, alerting families about ICE checkpoints.
Teachers and churches offer refuge.
Social workers provide legal aid and emotional support.
Amid terror, resistance thrives.
What Comes Next?
The legal precedent set by the court opens the door for future military deployments. And Los Angeles may not be the last city.
There are already murmurs that New York and Chicago—both declared sanctuary cities—could face similar federal crackdowns. The administration’s playbook is expanding.
This is no longer just about immigration. It’s about power. About whom governs our cities. About whether military force can be used to silence a protest.
And about whether “the land of the free” is still free for everyone.
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No Kings. No Raids. No Silence.
—Citizen Ben
