President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests following recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The decision, announced late Saturday, comes after two days of unrest across Southern California.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argue the federal intervention risks further destabilizing the situation.
Why Are There Protests in Los Angeles?
Protests erupted on June 6 after ICE agents carried out a series of immigration raids targeting street vendors, day laborers, and undocumented workers at sites including Home Depot stores and a clothing factory. According to the Department of Homeland Security, at least 44 people were detained on suspicion of immigration violations.
By Saturday, demonstrations had spread to Paramount, a city with a large Latino population, where witnesses reported confrontations with federal agents in a Home Depot parking lot. Protesters set a car on fire, threw fireworks, and clashed with officers. In response, law enforcement used tear gas and stun grenades to break up the crowds.
Federal Response: National Guard Deployed
President Trump, posting on Truth Social, described the unrest as “riots” and criticized California leadership for failing to maintain control. He authorized the deployment of the National Guard to “restore law and order” in the city.
“California’s officials have failed their communities. The National Guard will solve the problem,” Trump posted.
Trump’s border czar Tom Homan confirmed the deployment plans on Fox News, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled the protesters “violent mobs attacking ICE officers.”
California Officials Push Back
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal move as “purposefully inflammatory”, warning it could escalate tensions. Mayor Karen Bass also objected, citing community fears amid ongoing wildfire recovery and renewed immigration enforcement crackdowns.
The Los Angeles Police Department released a statement noting that while “some unrest occurred,” the majority of demonstrations remained peaceful, commending local residents for exercising their First Amendment rights.
How Did the Situation Escalate?
Protests began peacefully outside the Los Angeles Federal Building, but tensions grew as agents attempted further arrests. By June 7, unrest had spread to suburban areas, including Paramount, where a car was set ablaze and multiple arrests were made.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that federal agents were obstructed by agitators, while photos from Reuters showed scenes of chaos—burning vehicles, protesters waving U.S. and Mexican flags, and clouds of tear gas.
Broader Implications
This marks a major escalation in Trump’s 2025 immigration policy, which includes plans to detain 3,000 undocumented migrants per day. Vice President JD Vance described the protests as part of a “coordinated insurrection”, framing the situation as a direct challenge to national security.
However, California officials argue that the Trump administration’s tactics are politically motivated and risk triggering a broader civil rights crisis.
What Happens Next?
The National Guard presence is expected to remain in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. Governor Newsom is reportedly exploring legal options to limit federal jurisdiction, while civil rights organizations have vowed to monitor potential abuses.
Law enforcement agencies across Southern California are on heightened alert, as demonstrations continue in downtown LA, Long Beach, and Santa Ana.
Key Figures:
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Donald Trump: Ordered National Guard deployment
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Gavin Newsom: California Governor, condemned federal overreach
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Karen Bass: LA Mayor, urged calm and local control
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Tom Homan: Border czar confirming federal plans
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JD Vance: Vice President, supported crackdown
