In a move that has sparked significant dissent, President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles. This decision comes in the wake of escalating confrontations between protesters and federal immigration authorities over the weekend.
Protests erupted after agents engaged with demonstrators in Paramount, a heavily Latino city south of Los Angeles. The police and Border Patrol clashed with protesters who were fighting against federal immigration enforcement, resulting in tear gas and pepper balls being deployed by authorities.
The protests were fueled by recent immigration sweeps in the Los Angeles area, which were reported to have resulted in over 100 immigrant arrests. Tensions rose further when a union leader was arrested while protesting and charged with obstructing law enforcement.
The White House described the deployment of the National Guard as a necessary action “to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.” However, the timeline for the arrival of the troops remains unclear.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who opposed the deployment, expressed his concerns on the social media platform X. He described the situation as “purposefully inflammatory” and warned that it would only exacerbate tensions. Newsom urged individuals not to resort to violence, suggesting that federal actions were meant to create a spectacle.
In a show of the administration’s firm stance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton were on high alert for potential deployment should violence escalate further.
The president’s decision to send in the National Guard followed clashes in both Paramount and nearby Compton, where one vehicle was set ablaze. Protests continued throughout the evening, with many demonstrators gathering near local businesses and federal buildings.
In downtown Los Angeles, crowds gathered outside federal buildings, leading local police to declare an unlawful assembly. Officers began to make arrests, citing disruption to public order.
Earlier, tension peaked in Paramount as immigration officials confronted protesters at a business park. Demonstrators showcased their dissent by using fireworks and obstructing the streets with shopping carts and various debris while targeting Border Patrol vans with projectiles.
Notably, a Home Depot located in Los Angeles became the site of federal immigration activity, where individuals were arrested in the parking lot. Day laborers, who commonly wait for job opportunities at such locations, have been significantly affected by these actions.
Mayor Peggy Lemons of Paramount indicated that, despite reports of unrest, no immigration raids took place within the city. She noted that federal agents seemed to be organizing near Department of Homeland Security facilities, suggesting that the federal approach was poorly managed.
Lemons stated, “When you handle things the way that this appears to be handled, it’s not a surprise that chaos would follow.” Many demonstrators expressed their discontent through chants and signs such as, “No Human Being is Illegal.”
As protests ramped up, over a dozen individuals were arrested on charges of obstructing immigration agents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California confirmed these arrests, sharing names and mugshots on social media.
President Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard operates under Title 10 authority, which places him in command, despite objections from Governor Newsom.
As tensions rose, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement asserting that immigration efforts were crucial to curbing the flow of illegal activity into the United States. Leavitt claimed that California’s Democratic leadership had failed in their duty to ensure public safety.
This deployment follows a direct threat from President Trump, who stated on social media that if local leaders like Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass did not address the unrest, the federal government would intervene to restore order. He emphasized that riots and looting would be dealt with decisively.
Mr. Trump issued the order shortly before attending a UFC fight event, where he was seen sitting ringside with boxer Mike Tyson, highlighting the stark contrast between his political actions and social engagements.
Governor Newsom maintained that local authorities are equipped to manage public safety, stating there was no immediate need for federal assistance. He also ordered the California Highway Patrol to increase police presence in the area.
Historically, this scenario resembles events from 2020 when President Trump requested governors from various states to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to suppress protests following the death of George Floyd. Many governors complied at the time, leading to a significant military presence.
During those protests, Trump considered invoking the Insurrection Act, a measure rarely seen in modern history. Back then, then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper cautioned against its use, except in extreme circumstances.
Currently, President Trump has not invoked the Insurrection Act, according to statements from both Leavitt and Newsom.
The protests, sparked by recent immigration enforcement actions, started gaining traction after federal authorities arrested 44 individuals for immigration law violations. This heightened unrest was further propelled by the announcement that 118 arrests had been made during recent ICE operations, including individuals with known criminal associations.
Among those detained during protests was David Huerta, a prominent union leader. The Justice Department confirmed on Saturday that he was being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
Amid the unrest, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Huerta’s immediate release, warning against a troubling trend of arresting American citizens for exercising their constitutional rights.
As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how both state and federal authorities will respond to the growing tensions in Los Angeles.
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