Trump sends 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles as immigration raids spark violent protests
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to escalating unrest triggered by federal immigration enforcement raids.
The move, announced on Saturday, aims to suppress what the White House called “lawlessness,” but has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who labelled it “purposefully inflammatory.”
The unrest erupted after two days of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations across the city led to over 100 arrests, including five suspected gang members.
Tensions soared in Latino-majority neighbourhoods, with protestors alleging the use of tear gas and flash-bang grenades by federal agents.
Violence was documented in parts of the city, including Compton, where video footage showed a vehicle on fire at a busy intersection.
Other videos captured demonstrators in motorcycle helmets throwing rocks at federal vehicles.
Protesters also clashed with local police, launching fireworks and constructing barricades from cement blocks and shopping carts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt justified the deployment, citing a breakdown in local leadership: “President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester under California’s feckless Democratic leadership.”
Governor Newsom, however, rejected the deployment, posting on social media: “This move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles, not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle. Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, confirmed the National Guard would be active within 24 hours. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also warned that Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton were on high alert and could be mobilised if the violence continues.
Legal scholars have raised concerns about the legality of the move. Law professor Jessica Levinson noted the president invoked Title 10, a federal statute for National Guard activation, rather than the Insurrection Act. She emphasised that the Guard would likely be restricted to a support role due to domestic policing limitations.
Protests intensified following workplace raids across several parts of Los Angeles on Friday. Crowds gathered outside what was believed to be a federal staging centre in Paramount, leading to direct confrontations with law enforcement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the fear gripping many residents. “Everyone has the right to peacefully protest,” she said. “But violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed several arrests linked to the protests, saying, “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.”
The situation worsened on Saturday, with reports from the Los Angeles Times indicating that some protesters burned American flags and waved Mexican ones. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller described the demonstrations as an “insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States.”
