Downtown Los Angeles businesses are looking to recover after a recent curfew, imposed by Mayor Karen Bass due to protests against President Trump's immigration policies, was lifted. The protests, marked by vandalism and clashes with law enforcement using tear gas and rubber bullets, particularly affected the Little Tokyo neighborhood. Local business owners, like Don Tahara of Far Bar, reported significant damage from vandalism but also acknowledged the social frustrations driving the protests. The atmosphere remains tense, with heavy police and military presence in the area.
The protests, which have been concentrated in a few blocks of downtown where federal and local government buildings are, were in response to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in the city and subsequent deployment of the National Guard and Marines.
Don Tahara, the owner of Far Bar, said businesses in the area have been hit hard with vandalism and some break-ins.
On June 8, thousands of protesters took to the streets in response to Trump's deployment of the Guard, blocking off a major freeway as law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs to control the crowd.
But Tahara, a third-generation Japanese American immigrant, said he also understands that many people are frustrated and that their voices need to be heard.
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