In summary
CalMatters photographers captured immigration sweeps and protests that led up to President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles.
Protesters filling the streets. Helicopters circling overhead. Tear gas smoke drifted in the air. The National Guard deployed in the nation’s second largest city despite the objections of the state’s governor.
After a series of immigration raids across the Los Angeles area, demonstrators gathered in various parts of the city to denounce the arrests. In some cases people threw rocks at authorities. Law enforcement’s response—including tear gas, arrests, and the deployment of troops—transformed the city into a flashpoint over immigration enforcement.
By Sunday, hundreds of National Guard troops patrolled a federal building on the orders of President Trump, who bypassed state leadership in calling up the soldiers.
Though peaceful at times, the protests were tense, and demonstrators were met with tear gas, “less lethal” projectiles and arrests. State and local officials condemned the call-up of the National Guard, with many urging protesters to demonstrate peacefully.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday ordered a curfew for about 1 square mile around the federal building where the National Guard deployed. That’s a small portion of the city, which is roughly 500 square miles.
Through it all, freelance photographers Ted Soqui and J.W. Hendricks covered the events for CalMatters. These are their photos.
