Tourism in Los Angeles Faces Challenges Amid Protests Against ICE
Los Angeles tourism officials are closely monitoring the ongoing protests against the federal government’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as demonstrations extend into their seventh day. These protests began on June 6, following a series of controversial ICE actions across the city, particularly in Downtown Los Angeles.
The situation escalated on June 7, when President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard personnel to the greater Los Angeles area, later adding around 700 Marines despite strong opposition from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
In an effort to manage the unrest, Mayor Bass issued a curfew for Downtown Los Angeles, which is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The curfew zone includes notable neighborhoods such as Chinatown, the Arts District, and the L.A. Live entertainment district.
To assure potential visitors, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board released a statement confirming that “the greater Los Angeles region remains open for business.” They advised travelers to stay informed, adhere to local guidelines, and avoid areas experiencing disruptions while encouraging Downtown L.A. visitors to keep track of updates via the city’s NotifyLA mass notification system.
However, the tourism board did highlight that *transportation disruptions* could occur, citing potential “delays or detours in Metro bus and rail services, especially in and around Downtown Los Angeles” due to the protests.
Despite the turmoil, hotels in affected areas are operational. A representative for the Conrad Los Angeles, located centrally in Downtown, confirmed that the hotel “remains open and fully operational.” Meanwhile, concerns over hotel bookings were raised by Tom Kiely, CEO of Visit West Hollywood, who stated that they are monitoring short-term booking trends. So far, the protests have not significantly impacted bookings.
Frederic Zemmour, general manager of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, mentioned during a media event that the hotel has begun experiencing cancellations. He encouraged potential visitors not to cancel their plans, asserting that “Los Angeles is very safe.”
As protests continue, Los Angeles remains a vibrant travel destination, with officials and businesses committed to ensuring safety and accessibility for travelers.
