The Los Angeles police have made hundreds of arrests in the past 48 hours as the fifth day of unrest continues, triggered by ICE operations targeting undocumented immigrants.

Meanwhile, 700 Marines assigned by the Trump administration, despite strong objections from the California government, are awaiting orders to deploy, though they are not authorized to make arrests.

A curfew was enforced from 8 p.m. Tuesday (local time, 6 a.m. Wednesday Greece time) in a limited downtown area. Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

The curfew, announced by Mayor Karen Bass, ended at 6 a.m. Wednesday but is expected to be reimposed in the coming days.

Despite the curfew, police reported continued group gatherings. Before it took effect, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that 197 people had been arrested on Tuesday, mainly for defying dispersal orders. Around 100 arrests were made on Monday.

National Guard troops, deployed earlier, remain in place to protect ICE agents.

The issue quickly escalated politically, with President Trump and Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom at odds. Trump defended sending 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to prevent the takeover of the city by a foreign enemy and vowed to liberate the city.

Newsom accused Trump of “attacking democracy” and escalating the situation with more violence. He warned that “other states will be next.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi told CNN that the Trump administration is not afraid to expand its legal powers for troop deployment in Los Angeles. “We’re not afraid to go further if needed,” she said, indicating the administration’s willingness to use every tool amid political conflict.

It is noted that the National Guard does not have arrest powers. Their role is limited to protecting federal property and personnel.

The 700 Marines are stationed about 60 km outside downtown LA, awaiting deployment orders. According to Major General Scott Sherman, they will soon be on the streets of Los Angeles and can temporarily detain individuals until police arrive.

Sherman added that the Marines are being trained in riot control and will not carry live ammunition during their mission.

Protests Spread

Other U.S. cities are also preparing for more demonstrations, along with their local authorities.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the state’s National Guard to San Antonio, stating he would use “every tool” to help law enforcement maintain order. Texas has the largest National Guard in the U.S., with 22,000 troops.