By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Footage from multiple TikTok videos shows Los Angeles police officers allegedly confining peaceful protestors before a citywide curfew, preventing their departure and leading to numerous arrests. These videos depict demonstrators trapped between a building and a line of officers, with claims of unlawful detainment well before the curfew’s 8:00 p.m. start time. One user reported approximately 25 protestors surrounded by 250 officers. Legal action is anticipated in response to these alleged actions, while the LAPD has yet to release a statement.
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The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is facing accusations of deliberately trapping protesters before a curfew went into effect, solely to arrest them for violating the curfew. This isn’t a novel tactic; similar strategies, often referred to as “kettling,” have been observed during previous protests, notably those surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement. The alleged intent appears to be less about upholding the law and more about creating a situation where arrests are easily made, regardless of whether the protesters were already violating the curfew before the police action commenced.
This tactic raises serious concerns about entrapment. The idea that the police would intentionally encircle protesters, blocking all escape routes, before announcing the curfew and then arresting anyone remaining seems to fit the definition of entrapping citizens into a crime to justify later actions. Videos circulating online supposedly corroborate the accounts, and the widespread use of personal recording devices and livestreaming makes claims of this nature far more difficult to dispute.
The lack of any unbiased reporting in mainstream media only amplifies this problem. The use of passive voice in reporting on such events, as mentioned, seemingly whitewashes the deliberate nature of the police actions. This lack of transparency and clear condemnation of such tactics, if true, only seems to allow the continuation of these potentially unlawful practices.
The financial costs associated with this type of behavior are also significant. Past instances of kettling in other cities, such as Chicago during Iraq War protests, resulted in multi-million dollar settlements. The use of excessive force, such as deploying rubber bullets indiscriminately, further compounds these costs and raises serious ethical and legal questions. It’s worth noting the accounts of individuals allegedly harmed even when not directly participating in the protests; these stories paint a picture of intimidation and overreach by law enforcement.
These actions by the police are not just isolated incidents; they speak to a broader pattern of behavior. Multiple reports and accounts paint a consistent picture of aggressive tactics designed to suppress dissent and punish those exercising their right to assembly. The accounts include instances of officers using excessive force, with some witnesses claiming that injuries were inflicted even on non-resisting individuals. The allegation that officers would yell things like, “Stop hitting yourself!” while inflicting harm only adds to the impression of a systemic problem.
The question of accountability is paramount. If the allegations are true, it highlights a glaring gap in accountability for law enforcement. The officers involved should be subject to thorough investigations and, if found guilty of misconduct, face appropriate disciplinary action. The fact that fellow officers apparently stand idly by or refuse to report such actions points to a serious need for internal reforms within police departments to encourage better conduct and accountability. This is far from just a few “bad apples,” as many observers are voicing their concerns about the culture within some police forces that seemingly protects and enables such behavior.
This alleged conduct by the LAPD and similar incidents in other cities highlight the need for a serious discussion about police tactics and their impact on civil liberties. The use of curfews to stifle protests is questionable, especially when it’s coupled with what appears to be a deliberate strategy of trapping citizens to justify arrests. The accusations of entrapment, which could be considered a serious breach of citizens’ rights, necessitate a thorough review of how such police actions are authorized and monitored.
The ongoing discussion of what constitutes acceptable use of force by law enforcement, especially in the context of protests, is essential. This includes whether strategies like kettling are inherently problematic, regardless of intent. The fact that individuals can easily document such events with modern technology places a greater responsibility on law enforcement to adhere to proper procedure and demonstrate accountability.
The potential for a further erosion of public trust in law enforcement, stemming from such tactics, should not be underestimated. The lack of transparency, coupled with the seeming impunity enjoyed by those accused of such actions, only serves to worsen the already strained relationship between many communities and law enforcement. Ultimately, a comprehensive review of police procedures and policies is needed to ensure that the rights of citizens are protected, even during times of civil unrest.