Protesters defy curfew order from LA mayor, police make mass arrests
In an effort to curb vandalism and looting, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles.
Kim Kardashian and Demi Lovato are among the latest celebrities to react to the protests that broke out in Los Angeles over immigration enforcement sweeps, with demonstrations having spread to cities across the nation in the days since.
The two stars both highlighted the contributions of immigrants in the United States in recent social media posts, joining a growing number of celebrities who are commenting on the protests that have led to the arrests of hundreds in Los Angeles alone.
It comes as cities across the nation are expected to see planned demonstrations on Saturday, June 14, including Los Angeles, as part of the “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance.”
Here are just a few of the celebrities who’ve commented on the protests in Los Angeles.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian posted a statement about the protests in Los Angeles on her Instagram story on Tuesday, June 10.
“When we’re told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals — great,” her statement said. “But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up.”
She described how growing up in Los Angeles, she’s seen how immigrants “are woven into the fabric of this city,” describing them as neighbors, friends, classmates and more.
“No matter where you fall politically, it’s clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants,” Kardashian said in her post. “We can’t turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely.”
She also reposted on her story a clip of Doechii at the BET Awards on June 9, where the Grammy-winning rapper acknowledged the protests in her acceptance speech and remarked on the Trump administration’s response to it.
Doechii
The “Alligator Bites Never Heal” rapper won Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the BET Awards on June 9. During her acceptance speech, Doechii said she felt it was her responsibility to use the moment to “speak up for all oppressed people” and called for people to stand together and protest against hate.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” Doechii said. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. And I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that? People are being swept up and torn from their families.”
John Leguizamo
Comedian and actor John Leguizamo has made frequent posts about the protests in Los Angeles and ICE to his Instagram story.
“Protesting is as American as apple pie,” he said in a clip posted on June 10. “But Trump wants to create a situation. He wants to be able to call on the Insurrection Act. He wants to create Martial law so he can take over every government and every city and every state. So don’t give him that. Don’t give him what he wants. He’s trampling on all our democratic values of due process, of listening to courts and the judiciary. Stay calm, stay peaceful. Don’t give him what he wants.”
Demi Lovato
The award-winning singer called for people to “show up for one another and support our neighbors” in an Instagram story post late Tuesday, June 10.
“What’s happening in Los Angeles and across the country is heartbreaking,” Lovato said. “Immigrants are a vital part of our community and the fabric of our country. While I feel powerless, I stand with those living in fear and hope these resources can help in some way.”
Lovato reposted on her Instagram story posts from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
Pedro Pascal
“The Last of Us” star posted on his Instagram during the weekend a video from TikTok user Jay Gozalez. The video showcased people standing in Los Angeles holding flags, including the flag of Mexico and Uruguay.
“This is our city. We stand with our community. We know who you came for. Mothers. Fathers. Workers. Dreamers. They aren’t criminals. They are the heart of Los Angeles. We built this city together, and we won’t watch them be taken… we are louder than your sirens, stronger than your raids… when you come for one you come for all of us,” the text on the video read.
Pascal captioned the post with, “Los Angeles. Built by the best of U.S. #Protect our #Protectors” and added the hashtag to the word “Resist.”
While the post was not a direct comment from the actor about the protests that have occurred in Los Angeles in recent days, it comes a few weeks after Pascal was asked about whether he worried about Latino migrants living in the U.S. and whether the nation would become a “closed country to the world” at the Cannes Film Festival.
In a clip published by El País, Pascal described how he and his family are immigrants in response.
“I want people to be safe and to be protected, and I want very much to live on the right side of history,” he said.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.