In the heart of Los Angeles, downtown businesses have been eagerly awaiting the return of their customer base after Mayor Karen Bass revoked a curfew. This curfew had been enforced as a measure to curb nighttime unrest linked to demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. The protests mainly came to life in specific blocks of downtown characterized by the presence of federal and local government buildings. In reaction to the immigration crackdown and the subsequent involvement of the National Guard and Marines, the community vociferously opposed the administration’s actions.
Mayor Bass, a Democrat, observing the tangibility of reduced crime and security enhancement, expressed confidence in the efficacy of the curfew introduced on June 10. The directive covered a small geographic area of this vast city, helping shield commercial and residential properties alike.
The historical Little Tokyo district, a significant Japanese American enclave, bore witness to the consequences of these protests. As military personnel maintained a visible presence near a federal detention building, tourists captured photos of a prominent mural depicting Shohei Ohtani in Dodgers attire. The days of civil upheaval were palpable in the boarded windows throughout Little Tokyo.
Local business owner, Don Tahara, who manages Far Bar, revealed the impacts of vandalism and theft on the neighborhood’s commercial activities. He cited the demonstrations on June 8, where masses blocked a major highway and law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. The chaos even saw Waymo robotaxis inflamed. Tahara recognized parallels between the current political actions and the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, a notion fueling understanding of the protests’ necessity.
Tahara noted ongoing reservation cancellations at Far Bar and adjusted operations by opening earlier for lunch. Employees’ earnings took a hit, compounded by earlier challenges such as wildfires and tariff increases. On Monday, Mayor Bass adjusted the curfew to start at 10 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., as arrests dwindled. She condemned those inciting violence, highlighting the peaceful nature of most protests. The intensification of federal deportation actions particularly from Democratic regions exacerbated fears, leading to widespread protests nationwide.
Cindy Reyes, from the Rakkan Ramen, speaks to the curfew’s difficulties, forcing early closures and impinging on the income of night-shift workers accustomed to late-night service.
Meanwhile, further from the protest epicenter, the Historic Core district, known for nightlife, similarly fell prey to theft and vandalism. Many establishments, reliant on evening operations, shut down due to the curfew. Vincent Vong, owner of the Rhythm Room, estimated losses in the tens of thousands of dollars, despite continued pay to staff.
Vong expressed a desire for more city support and strategic law enforcement to safeguard “vulnerable areas,” given his street’s history as a frequent target. Despite President Donald Trump’s immigration policies officials lift as well as the regularity of protests, he remains committed to reviving the area’s appeal, ensuring patrons of its ongoing safety. The task ahead: revitalizing a neighborhood still healing from the visible scars of unrest.