President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following violent clashes over a series of federal immigration raids that have drawn widespread condemnation across California.
The move came after a second day of confrontations between demonstrators and federal immigration officers in the heavily Latino Paramount neighborhood. On Saturday, authorities fired tear gas and flash bangs to disperse crowds protesting against ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Several arrests were made, and a small fire was reported at a local mall.
Trump defended the use of federal force, saying the government would “step in and solve the problem” if local leaders failed to act. He blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for what he called “incompetent leadership,” and declared that mask-wearing during protests would no longer be permitted.
The unrest follows a spike in ICE raids this week, with at least 118 people arrested, including 44 on Friday alone. Governor Newsom denounced the operations as “reckless and cruel,” warning that the president’s decision to bypass state authority and deploy the National Guard would only escalate tensions.
Typically under the governor’s control, the Guard is now operating under federal command. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth raised the stakes further by warning that Marines at nearby Camp Pendleton could be activated if violence persists.
In a statement Sunday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed minor injuries to two deputies and several arrests. Protesters reportedly threw fireworks and bottles, and at least one vehicle was set ablaze.
Federal officials, including Trump’s immigration adviser Tom Homan, have promised a zero-tolerance approach to any further disruptions. “Law and order will prevail,” added FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino in a post on social media.
Despite the visible military presence, community leaders and immigrant rights advocates remain defiant. Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, called the crackdown a campaign of fear. “These are families. These are workers. And this has to stop,” she said.
Further demonstrations are expected in the city as tensions remain high.
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