In response to widespread protests in Los Angeles following recent arrests linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to the city on Saturday.
The President posted on his Truth Social platform that if California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were unable to manage the situation, the federal government would intervene, stating, “RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”.
Under Title 10 authority, the President has authorized the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops for a period of 60 days, subject to the discretion of the Secretary of Defense.
A Defense Department official informed CBS News that most of the troops being sent are from the California National Guard.
The memo also indicated that the Secretary of Defense has the authority to utilize other members of the regular Armed Forces as needed to support federal functions in Los Angeles.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized in a social media post the immediate mobilization of the National Guard to aid federal law enforcement in the city.
Hegseth further warned that should violence continue, he would consider deploying “active duty Marines” from Camp Pendleton.
The announcement followed remarks by border czar Tom Homan, who stated on Fox News that the National Guard would be brought in immediately to reinforce law enforcement efforts.
In the wake of the deployment announcement, Governor Newsom criticized the federal government’s action, describing it as “purposefully inflammatory and escalatory.” Newsom asserted the LA authorities were capable of managing the situation without federal involvement, adding that additional California Highway Patrol units were being dispatched to maintain peace.
In their conversation, Newsom and Trump discussed the unfolding developments for about 40 minutes.
The Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement, can be waived under Title 10 authority. This provision allows the President to deploy the National Guard for law enforcement purposes in specific scenarios.
The protests in Los Angeles began shortly after multiple ICE operations led to numerous arrests across the city.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that protests erupted in Paramount on Saturday, prompted by alleged federal law enforcement operations
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna reported around 400 protesters gathered and declared the assembly unlawful, urging attendees to disperse without violence.
Federal agencies deployed non-lethal munitions before the sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene.
The California Highway Patrol also prepared for potential disruptions as protesters attempted to march onto the 710 Freeway.
Reports indicated that two individuals were arrested during the protests for assaulting law enforcement, including one who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail that injured three deputies.
Social media posts captured the demonstration, where protesters attempted to block a U.S. Marshals Service bus and hurled rocks at law enforcement vehicles.
Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security clarified that no ICE raid was executed at a Home Depot in Los Angeles as falsely reported. DHS indicated that federal agents were staging operations from a nearby office.
Protests later broke out on the border of Paramount and Compton, where a car was set ablaze in an intersection. Authorities maintained a distance while monitoring the situation.
As the protests intensified, federal agents deployed flash-bang grenades and tear gas canisters to disperse the assembled demonstrators.
The LAPD and LASD both declared unlawful assemblies and sought to push protesters from the area, warning that arrests would follow for those who did not comply.
Friday’s demonstrations were ignited by immigration operations conducted by ICE throughout downtown Los Angeles, resulting in significant protests against the federal actions.
ICE reported the arrest of 118 individuals over the week, with 44 arrests made during Friday’s operations alone.
Multiple raids targeted sites in the Westlake District and downtown LA, prompting demonstrators to gather in protest of the government’s actions.
During the protests, demonstrators were seen vandalizing federal buildings and clashing with law enforcement, resulting in officers wearing riot gear being deployed.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli noted that one protest leader, David Huerta, was arrested after allegedly obstructing federal officers during the operations.
Huerta characterized his arrest as part of a larger issue concerning treatment of immigrant communities, calling for collective resistance against systemic injustice.
Essayli confirmed that federal operations in Los Angeles would continue over the weekend, despite protests.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned protesters that interference with law enforcement would be met with prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reiterated this message, stating that all forms of obstruction against law enforcement would face serious legal consequences.
Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino threatened further arrests for those obstructing federal operations and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for chaos.
In response, LA Mayor Bass denounced the federal government’s actions, expressing anger over the impact of ICE operations on local communities.
Bass affirmed her commitment to coordination with immigrant rights organizations to resist unjust tactics.
The ongoing situation highlights the tension between local leaders and federal authorities concerning immigration enforcement and civil rights as protests continue throughout Los Angeles.
image source from：https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/los-angeles-immigration-protests-surprise-ice-operation/
