What to Know About the Los Angeles Protests: Affected Areas, Curfew Hours, and Your Rights

After controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles’ garment district, mostly peaceful protests began in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, June 6. Demonstrations spread to surrounding neighborhoods and nearby cities such as Paramount and Compton through the weekend.

On Monday, June 9, in response to escalating tensions, President Donald Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops to the region, doubling the original count of 1,700, and added a battalion of 700 Marines, despite vocal opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass.

The majority of the protests in Los Angeles have remained peaceful; however, some areas have experienced looting, vandalism, and property damage, particularly in the downtown area. Law enforcement has responded with aggressive tactics, deploying tear gas, flash-bangs, pepper spray, pepper balls, and nonlethal bullets against protesters and at least one journalist.

Still, for most travelers, the area where protests are taking place is limited to a 0.2% area of downtown Los Angeles. Here’s what to know if you have a trip planned to LA this week.

Is it safe to travel to LA right now?

Yes, it is safe to travel to the vast majority of Los Angeles. The protests are concentrated in specific areas, with the vast majority of the city and surrounding areas operating as usual. Avoid downtown protest zones during curfew hours, check local updates, and call downtown Los Angeles businesses in advance before visiting.

When are the protests planned for?

Wednesday, June 11 marked the sixth day of the protests in LA. It is unclear exactly how much longer they will continue. The “No Kings” movement is planning nonviolent protests against the Trump administration’s recent actions—which organizers say have undermined democratic principles—across multiple cities on Saturday, June 14.

What areas of LA are affected?

The majority of LA continues to operate as usual. LAX Airport remains unaffected, and popular neighborhoods such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and West LA are business as usual.

The protests have primarily taken place in downtown Los Angeles, especially near the Metropolitan Detention Center, the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, and the United States Courthouse. These federal sites have become focal points for demonstrations, and travelers can expect street closures and increased law enforcement presence nearby.

LA tourist hotspots like Little Tokyo, Grand Central Market, Olvera Street, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, and parts of the Arts District are within or near the affected area. Notably, Otoro, a well-known sushi restaurant in Little Tokyo, was recently looted. The Japanese American National Museum also suffered damage during the unrest, and riot gear-clad officers have been photographed stationed under the prominent Shohei Ohtani mural nearby.

Waymo has temporarily paused autonomous vehicle operations in downtown Los Angeles after several cars were vandalized. Several businesses in the protest-affected corridor—especially along Broadway between 3rd and 7th Streets—have been looted or boarded up, and many are temporarily closed. Call ahead before planning a visit to any downtown business.