Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared an overnight curfew in downtown Los Angeles following days of unrest sparked by federal immigration enforcement raids. The curfew, which is expected to remain in place for several days, is part of a broader emergency response as protests spread to cities across the United States.
“I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting,” Mayor Bass said on Tuesday.
Initially triggered by President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, the protests have now reached cities such as Seattle, Austin, Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco. Demonstrators have been blocking traffic, chanting anti-ICE slogans, and confronting law enforcement outside federal buildings.
While many of the protests remain peaceful, some have escalated into clashes involving arrests and the use of chemical agents.
State-Federal Tensions Rising
California Governor Gavin Newsom has openly criticised the federal government’s response, filing an emergency motion in federal court to block the use of National Guard and Marines in immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles.
He condemned the scope of Trump’s immigration crackdown, which he said targets not only criminals but also workers such as dishwashers, gardeners, day labourers, and seamstresses.
Trump’s administration defended the military deployment, citing a need to maintain public order and support ICE operations as tensions in the city rise. Photos released by ICE show National Guard troops visibly protecting officers during arrests, while US Marines have been positioned to assist in crowd control and emergency responses.
Broader Economic Impact: Risks for Small Businesses
The escalating unrest and military presence in Los Angeles and other Californian cities could have serious short-term and long-term consequences for small businesses in the state:
Broader Economic Impact: Risks for Small Businesses
The escalating unrest and military presence in Los Angeles and other Californian cities could have serious short-term and long-term consequences for small businesses in the state:
Disruption to Daily Operations: Many small businesses in downtown Los Angeles and nearby areas are already facing closures or reduced operating hours due to the curfew. Foot traffic has declined sharply, and several retailers report property damage from recent unrest.
Employee Safety Concerns: With streets increasingly volatile and public transport disrupted, many small business owners are struggling to ensure safe conditions for employees and customers.
Supply Chain Interruptions: The heightened military activity and road closures are causing delays in deliveries and supply chain disruptions, particularly for businesses reliant on local logistics and same-day shipping.
Consumer Confidence Erosion: The visible presence of federal troops, combined with media coverage of the unrest, is likely to dampen consumer confidence, reducing discretionary spending and negatively affecting sectors such as hospitality, retail, and personal services.
Legal and Financial Uncertainty: The ongoing legal battle between the state of California and the federal government is adding further uncertainty to an already fragile business climate. Small business owners are left unsure about the stability of their environment in the coming weeks.
As demonstrations continue and legal challenges play out, California’s small businesses face a period of considerable uncertainty. While larger corporations may be able to absorb temporary disruptions, the state’s 4 million+ small businesses — which account for nearly half of private-sector jobs — could be among the hardest hit if the unrest persists.
