LOS ANGELES (AP) — President Donald Trump has ordered an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, intensifying the military presence amid ongoing protests fueled by anger over immigration enforcement policies.
This escalation comes after an initial deployment of 2,000 Guard troops began on Sunday, coinciding with the most violent day of protests over Trump’s immigration policies, which have drawn criticism for separating migrant families.
The demonstrations in Los Angeles have largely been peace-driven; however, the heavy military presence has raised concerns among local officials and the police chief.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has expressed confidence in the department’s ability to manage large-scale protests without military intervention, stressing that the Marines’ arrival poses significant logistical challenges for law enforcement.
Governor Gavin Newsom characterized the deployment as reckless and disrespectful to the troops, suggesting that it serves to bolster President Trump’s ego rather than enhance public safety.
In a post on the social platform X, Newsom stated, “This isn’t about public safety. It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego.”
The protests began on Friday after federal immigration authorities conducted arrests across the city, detaining over 40 individuals.
While Monday’s demonstrations were less unruly, thousands gathered peacefully around City Hall for a rally supporting an arrested labor leader, David Huerta, who had been protesting immigration raids.
Huerta’s arrest has sparked further outrage and has become a rallying cry for activists opposed to the administration’s strict enforcement of immigration laws.
The initial protests saw violence, with crowd participants blocking major freeways and setting self-driving cars ablaze as police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Despite the chaotic backdrop, early protests on Monday featured a calmer atmosphere, with joyful music and dancing accompanying the gathering.
As the day progressed, tensions rose outside the federal detention center where Huerta was held, with protesters linking arms in front of police lines and chanting for the release of detainees.
Governor Newsom is not the only official criticizing the federal military presence.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the President had unlawfully mobilized California National Guard troops without state permission.
Bonta argued that Trump had “trampled” the state’s sovereignty and is seeking a court order declaring the deployment unlawful, alongside a restraining order to halt it.
On Monday, Trump claimed that there would have been severe destruction in the city without the troop deployment.
U.S. officials clarified that the Marines had been deployed primarily to protect federal property and personnel, including federal immigration agents.
While additional troops are expected, an official noted that it might take a couple of days for the order to fully take effect.
Calling the deployment a “deliberate attempt” by the Trump administration to create chaos, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed the sentiments of those opposed to the military presence, urging federal authorities to cease immigration raids.
Throughout the day, protests loomed across various locations in Los Angeles County, including outside a clothing warehouse, where family members of detained workers gathered to demand their loved ones be released.
Relatives of Jacob Vasquez, who was detained on Friday, voiced their concerns, emphasizing that he is the primary breadwinner for his family.
Multiple arrests were reported throughout the weekend protests, with some individuals facing charges for violent actions against police.
The recent deployment of National Guard troops is unprecedented, marking the first time in decades that a state’s troops were activated without a request from the governor.
This significant escalation highlights the growing tensions between state authorities and the federal government concerning the Trump administration’s approach to immigration and law enforcement.
Historically, the last occurrence of such an activation occurred in 1965 when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to protect a civil rights march in Alabama.
Trump’s directive on Saturday invoked a legal provision that allows the President to deploy federal troops when there is a perceived rebellion or danger against the authority of the government.
As protests against immigration raids continue to spread beyond Los Angeles, they have also reached cities like San Francisco, along with Austin and Dallas in Texas.
Protesters have engaged in chants such as “Free them all!” and “National Guard go away!” directing their messages toward the military presence surrounding federal territories.
While participation in these demonstrations has mostly remained civil, collective frustrations against federal policies are growing across cities.
As the protests evolve, local leaders are concerned that increased military involvement could exacerbate tensions and hinder efforts to maintain order.
With the situation still unfolding, there remains uncertainty regarding the impact of these military deployments and the continued public backlash against the federal government’s immigration enforcement initiatives.
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