The situation in Los Angeles looks like it's only going to get worse before it gets better, with increasingly strict measures hoping to combat these anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests. Things have been escalating in the aftermath of a series of ICE raids, and as Donald Trump sends in the National Guard, the President of the United States has been accused of fanning the flames.
ICE has been carrying out raids across the city, with the Trump administration pushing reported deportation goals of 3,000 daily arrests. The general public and famous faces alike have spoken out, with Hasan "HasanAbi" Piker taking to the streets and being caught in the crossfire. Anonymous has issued a scathing message warning that this would happen under Donald Trump, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 800 more law enforcement officers in an attempt to "clean up President Trump’s mess."
Rioting has turned into looting, with Apple, Adidas, and T-Mobile stores being among those targeted. Given the high price tag of the average iPhone, it's no surprise that they were a hot commodity to be swiped from the Apple store. Thieves beware, though, as Apple has an impressive countermeasure that causes stolen devices to blast an alarm.
Videos have shown chaos at the Apple Tower Theatre store, with masked individuals smashing their way inside and quickly making off with as many devices as they could carry. Other footage on social media showcases Apple's sophisticated anti-theft technology as alarms blare and the iPhones are locked with a message that reads: "Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted."
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Away from your standard security features like Find My iPhone that are enabled by customers, Apple's retail system automatically disables devices when they're removed from specific locations, and as well as triggering real-time tracking, they'll play loud alarms.
There were scenes of panic as bystanders and the LAPD descended on the scene, with officials confirming at least one arrest was made in connection with the Apple store looting and others linked to similar incidents.
Hoping to combat the increasing situation, Mayor Karen Bass has enforced a curfew on downtown LA from the hours of 8 pm to 6 am local time. With 23 businesses apparently being looted, Bass declared an emergency after "we reached a tipping point." Highlighting a mass of graffiti and 'significant damage' to properties, she was joined by LAPD chief Jim McDonnell, who championed the curfew as a "necessary measure to protect lives" while "unlawful and dangerous behaviour" continues to escalate.
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Residents, those traveling to and from work, homeless people, public safety and emergency personnel will be exempt alongside credited media.
As for those who nabbed an iPhone in the hopes of getting a freebie, it could prove to be a costly (and loud) mistake to make.
