Trump Mobilizes National Guard Amid Los Angeles Protests Over Immigration Raids

Tensions have escalated in Los Angeles as federal immigration operations clash with public opposition, prompting National Guard mobilization to restore order.

In a decisive move amidst escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, President Donald Trump has dispatched 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles. This action comes in response to clashes between residents and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers as protests against recent immigration raids intensify. Trump’s border chief, Tom Homan, justified the deployment by asserting, “We are making Los Angeles safer.”

The unrest, which marked its second day on Saturday in the largely Latino Paramount district, included confrontations with officers who responded with tear gas and batons to break up crowds. According to reports, ICE operations led to around 118 arrests this week, with 44 occurring on Friday alone. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned these federal raids, labeling them “cruel” and detrimental to community trust.

An official statement from the White House claimed that violent crowds have attacked ICE agents, emphasizing the necessity of the operations to combat illegal immigration. The statement further criticized California's state leadership, accusing them of failing to safeguard law enforcement and the public. Following the announcement, Homan, who visited Los Angeles to oversee ongoing enforcement actions, noted that federal resources would be bolstered promptly, asserting a stance of “zero tolerance” against violence and property damage.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also weighed in, warning that those obstructing federal operations would face immediate consequences. On the other hand, Governor Newsom characterized the federal enforcement efforts as reckless and politically motivated, suggesting they serve only to heighten tensions.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass further criticized ICE's tactics, claiming they instill fear in the community, which she argues is detrimental to the fabric of society. Community leaders, such as Angelica Salas from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, echoed concerns, stating that federal actions are effectively terrorizing families and communities.

The authority to deploy the National Guard is within the president's purview, primarily for public safety purposes, but Newsom characterized Trump’s decision as “purposefully inflammatory,” potentially exacerbating an already heightened situation. Trump responded directly to Newsom via his social media platform, suggesting that if local leaders could not manage the disorder, federal intervention was necessary to restore peace and order.