Hong Kong authorities have called on residents to be vigilant and prioritise safety when travelling to the United States amid ongoing immigration-related protests in Los Angeles.
Some Hongkongers based in California’s largest city on Monday slammed US President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in the city, saying it would only further heighten the situation.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operation against illegal immigrants in Los Angeles on Friday triggered days of demonstrations by local residents, leading to clashes with law enforcement officers.
Trump subsequently signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address “the lawlessness” in California, with 300 arriving in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The Hong Kong government urged residents to attend to personal safety in light of protests across the country.
“The government reminds Hong Kong residents who are planning to travel to the United States, or are already there, to stay aware of the local situation, increase their vigilance, prioritise their safety, avoid crowded areas, and pay close attention to local announcements regarding the latest developments,” a spokesman said on Monday.