Los Angeles experienced heightened tensions and violent clashes on Monday following a series of protests against immigration raids, which resulted in over 56 arrests over the weekend.
As demonstrators opposing these actions took to the streets, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom pledged to take legal action against President Donald Trump for deploying National Guard soldiers to the city.
Critics argue that President Trump, having made illegal migration a significant focus of his administration, has deliberately inflamed tensions in the region.
Governor Newsom took to social media, stating, “This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted. He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard. We’re suing him.”
In response, the White House fired back, accusing Newsom of neglecting his duty while violence erupted in Los Angeles.
Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Gavin Newsom did nothing as violent riots erupted in Los Angeles for days. President Trump has stepped in to maintain law and order.”
She further expressed that Americans must address the “invasion” of unvetted illegal aliens, blaming the migration crisis on the previous administration led by Joe Biden.
The protests, rooted in anger over raids targeting illegal migrants and gang members, reflect a deep-seated frustration among the city’s large Latino population.
Demonstrators expressed their concerns about the presence of armed National Guard members, with protester Thomas Henning stating, “You have the National Guard with loaded magazines and large guns standing around trying to intimidate Americans.”
On Monday, a heavy police presence maintained order in mostly vacant streets, with only a few remaining protesters hurling projectiles and fireworks.
President Trump labeled the protesters as “insurrectionists” and called for their arrest, additionally demanding authorities to bring in military reinforcements.
“BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!!” he declared on his Truth Social platform.
Incidents of violence included the torching of at least three self-driving Waymo cars, while local law enforcement used tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse crowds.
An Australian reporter was reportedly injured during the clashes when a police officer fired a rubber bullet, although her employer later confirmed she was unharmed.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) established containment lines between demonstrators and armed members of the National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Three officers reported minor injuries during the confrontations, which led to multiple arrests over the tumultuous two days.
Protests also occurred in San Francisco, where local police reported approximately 60 arrests related to similar demonstrations against immigration raids.
In defiance of the unrest, President Trump conveyed his unwavering stance on law enforcement, hinting at the possibility of troop deployment on a broader scale across the nation.
During a press conference, he mentioned, “You’re going to see some very strong law and order,” while alluding to the invocation of the Insurrection Act for potential military assistance in controlling domestic unrest.
Approximately 500 Marines were placed in a “prepared-to-deploy status” in anticipation of further escalations.
The controversial decision to deploy the National Guard without the state’s consent has faced severe criticism from Democratic leaders, including Kamala Harris, who described it as “a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the violence while urging respect for migrant rights and advising Mexicans in the U.S. to act peacefully amidst the tensions.
image source from：https://punchng.com/los-angeles-protests-simmer-as-trump-state-officials-clash/
