Canadians urged to “stay away” from LA protests amid rising tensions in US

Canada has issued a stark warning to its citizens in the US: “Stay away from demonstrations” unfolding in Los Angeles and other major American cities.

The advisory, updated late Wednesday(June 11), emphasizes that while Canadians usually need only to “take normal security precautions,” the situation now demands heightened vigilance.

The Canadian advisory

Global Affairs Canada has urged its citizens to avoid protest zones, adhere to curfews (8 pm-6 am in downtown LA), follow local instructions, and stay updated via news outlets. The warning extends beyond Los Angeles, cautioning travelers in other US cities such as Chicago, New York, and San Francisco experiencing similar unrest.

Background of the unrest

The unrest traces back to June 6, when large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeted workplaces in Los Angeles, resulting in the detention of over 100 undocumented individuals.

The raids galvanized a wave of protests, some peaceful, others escalating into violent clashes, including graffiti attacks, burning Waymo taxis, and looting.

With tensions mounting, US President Donald Trump triggered a federal response, enlisting the National Guard and US Marines.

Over 4,000 Guard members and 700 Marines have been deployed under Title 10 authority, even without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. This move sparked a legal battle, with a federal judge ruling the action “illegal under the Tenth Amendment”, only for an appeals court to temporarily place that decision on hold.

Voices on the Ground

At a June 10 press event, Governor Newsom delivered a heartfelt rebuke, saying: “Democracy is under assault before our eyes,” and warning against authoritarian overreach. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the federal intervention, urging local officials to curb aggressive ICE operations.

Protesters at the Wilshire Federal Building tell of fear and determination. Volunteer Jaime Reyes, an undocumented immigrant, said tearfully: “We’re not criminals. We want to live without fear.” Local business owner Maria Lopez, whose storefront was graffitied during a nighttime protest, commented: “They’re angry, yes, but they’re not breaking our windows without meaning.”

Meanwhile, US District Judge Breyer, in halting the military’s control, noted there was no evidence of an "armed, organized rebellion," declaring peaceful protest a constitutional right.