Los Angeles: The Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass announced that an “emergency curfew” will go into effect in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. The curfew comes after several days of protests against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants.

According to Qatar News Agency, during a press conference, Bass stated that the curfew will be enforced from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am, and is expected to last for a few days. ‘I will consult with elected leaders and law enforcement officials tomorrow on the continuation of the curfew but we certainly expect for it to last for several days,’ Bass said.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that the curfew is a necessary measure to protect lives and property after consecutive days of unrest across the city. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has begun fulfilling his pledge to crack down on undocumented immigration. The Department of Homeland Security reported that ICE operations in Los Angeles last week resulted in the arrest of dozens of foreign nationals.

In response to the protests over the ICE raids, Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. On Tuesday, Trump stated that the forces would remain in Los Angeles until peace prevails.