Demonstrations across Los Angeles protesting the crackdown on undocumented immigrants by the Trump administration escalated over the weekend as protestors and authorities violently clashed.
Taking place mainly around downtown LA, Paramount and Compton about 85 miles from Victorville, the protests began Friday evening in response to aggressive raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including over 40 arrests. Tensions intensified as authorities declared some demonstrations to be “unlawful assemblies,” with local police in riot gear and 2,000 National Guard troops deployed by President Trump unleashing tear gas, flash-bangs, and other munitions to disperse the crowds. People blocked the 101 Freeway, threw items at the police, and set Waymo self-driving cars on fire. Several protestors were arrested.
In a press conference Sunday night, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the demonstrations had started off peacefully, and LAPD would have gone through “a number of steps” before bringing in the Guard. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the deployment “unlawful” on Monday, adding the state would sue the Trump administration.
As the situation continues to evolve, travelers with upcoming plans to visit Los Angeles may wonder how far away their flights are from the protests or whether they should change their flights. Here’s what to know.
Here’s what unfolded: LA protests went from small to substantial over three days.
What are the LA airports?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) − about 21 miles from downtown LA, about 17 miles from Paramount, about 13 miles from Compton, and 100 miles from Victorville
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – about 16 miles from downtown LA, about 17 miles from Paramount, about 31 miles from Compton and 95 miles from Victorville
Long Beach Airport (LGB) – about 25 miles from downtown LA, about 6 miles from Paramount, about 11 miles from Compton and 96 miles from Victorville
John Wayne Airport (Orange County) (SNA) – about 41 miles from downtown LA, about 30 miles from Paramount, about 32 miles from Compton and 86 miles from Victorville
Ontario Airport (ONT) – about 40 miles from downtown LA, about 44 miles from Paramount, about 49 miles from Compton and 46 miles from Victorville
Should I change my flight?
Travelers flying into the Los Angeles area likely do not need to change their flights because of the protests. As of Monday afternoon, no major commercial airlines or airports have announced travel waivers related to the situation.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How far California airports, Victorville area are from LA protests