Mayor Karen Bass lifted the week-in-a-week downtown Los Angeles curfew Tuesday as neighborhood protests, violence and vandalism faded following a wave of famous federal immigrant attacks.
The mayor’s announcement comes the day after she changed the opening hours of the night curfew from 8pm to 10pm, allowing businesses to continue opening later.
“Coupled with continued crime prevention efforts, the curfew has largely been successful in protecting stores, restaurants, businesses and residential communities,” Bass said in a press release. “We are ready to reissue curfews if necessary.”
The curfew was established last Tuesday after five days of chaotic and violent protests in response to President Trump’s crackdown on immigration in Southern California. Looting downtown stores and massive vandalism at downtown buildings also led to curfews.
LAPD Police Chief Jim McDonnell said the department will maintain a “strong presence” in downtown to “support legitimate gatherings and rights to protect property.”
Since the protests began on June 7, LAPD has arrested 575 people, including 14, for looting, the department said Monday.
“We’re advocating group for downtown Los Angeles,” said Nella Makosker, president of Central City Asun. “Now, the city must invest in long-term safety measures and economic recovery, so we need to ensure Downtown is ready for a safe, vibrant future.”
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