Downtown Los Angeles businesses are breathing a sigh of relief after Mayor Karen Bass lifted a curfew aimed at preventing vandalism during protests against President Trump’s immigration policies. The curfew, which was imposed last week, covered a small area of the city where protests were concentrated, particularly around federal buildings.
The protests erupted in response to Trump’s immigration crackdown and the deployment of the National Guard and Marines in the city. Business owners were hopeful that with the curfew lifted, customers would return quickly. However, the aftermath of the protests is still visible, especially in Little Tokyo, a historic neighborhood that has faced significant damage. Boarded-up windows are a common sight, and local businesses have reported vandalism and break-ins.
Don Tahara, who owns Far Bar in Little Tokyo, shared that the protests have severely impacted local businesses. Many cancellations came in after the curfew was first announced, and employees have lost hours. He noted that the current situation reminds him of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, drawing parallels between that historical injustice and the current immigration policies.
The protests peaked on June 8 when thousands took to the streets, blocking a major freeway. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, leading to chaos. Some protesters clashed with police, throwing fireworks and water bottles. Despite the turmoil, Tahara expressed understanding of the protesters’ motivations, seeing the need for activism against what he perceives as unjust government actions.
The mayor reduced curfew hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday due to a decrease in arrests, acknowledging that most protesters were peaceful. She criticized a small group of individuals who engaged in violence, distinguishing them from the larger community that protested peacefully.
Cindy Reyes, a server at Rakkan Ramen, explained that the curfew affected their business significantly, as they usually rely on late-night customers. Many restaurants in the area faced similar challenges, with night shifts being particularly hard hit.
The Historic Core district of downtown, known for its nightlife, also suffered. Nightclubs and bars closed during the curfew, resulting in substantial financial losses. Vincent Vong, owner of Rhythm Room, expressed frustration over the lack of support for vulnerable businesses, which have been targets during protests.
Even with the curfew lifted, Vong feels it will take time to restore customer confidence in the area, which still looks damaged and deserted. He is determined to show that downtown LA remains a safe place to visit.
As the community begins to recover, the hope is that businesses can bounce back from the recent turmoil and that the spirit of downtown LA will be restored.