US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Saturday to address ongoing unrest linked to immigration enforcement raids, according to France 24. The move aims to restore order after two days of protests that escalated into clashes between demonstrators and federal agents.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal intervention as “purposefully inflammatory” and warned that it could escalate tensions. The protests erupted following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that led to the arrest of dozens of undocumented migrants in the city, known for its large Latino population.
Videos showed confrontations including flash-bang grenades fired by federal agents and protesters throwing rocks and fireworks at law enforcement. One incident involved a car set on fire at a busy intersection, and barricades made from cement blocks and shopping carts blocked roads.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the situation as lawlessness “allowed to fester” and blamed California’s leadership for failing to maintain order. She stated, “The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs.”
Trump’s move to place California’s National Guard under federal control is unusual. Normally, the Guard acts with local government consent, but this order bypassed the state government. Governor Newsom urged calm and peaceful protests, saying, “Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”
The US Attorney for the Central District of California confirmed the guardsmen would be deployed within 24 hours. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted that active-duty Marines could be mobilized if violence continued, a step viewed by experts as largely symbolic given legal restrictions on domestic military use.
Since taking office, Trump has intensified immigration enforcement. The recent ICE raids in Los Angeles resulted in 118 arrests, including individuals linked to gangs. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the fear among residents but condemned violence, emphasizing accountability for those responsible.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino warned on social media that law enforcement would respond firmly to disorder: “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.”
As demonstrations continue, some protesters waved Mexican flags and set a US flag on fire. Authorities remain on alert to prevent further unrest amid a city already tense over immigration enforcement actions.
Article updated 4 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
