'Arrest people in face masks now' Trump issues new orders amid ongoing Los Angeles unrest

Los Angeles protests (Image credit: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has issued directed the law enforcement arrest the protester who are wearing masks in the Los Angeles protests, tensions have erupts amid the large-scale demonstrations against immigration enforcement.

President on Sunday banned the use of the masks at protests while he praised National Guard for their efforts in controlling the unrest in the city.

“ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW," Trump posted in his Truth Social post.

Earlier, Trump said that "from now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests."

Protesters are wearing masks to avoid facial identification by the security forces and protect themselves from the fumes emitted by both fireworks and police munitions. Trump’s move has sparked controversy, with many arguing that mask bans infringe upon free speech and disability rights.

President deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles streets on Sunday to help control a protests against Trump’s immigration enforcement, despite Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom deeming the deployment unlawful.

National Guard troops were positioned near federal buildings as protesters in Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest city, set cars on fire and clashed with security forces amid federal immigration raids.

“Arrests are being initiated," the police department wrote in a post on social media. Los Angeles police deployed officers on horseback to attempt to control the crowds.

California governor Gavin Newsom called Trump's threat to deploy Marines to the demonstrations in Los Angeles for the “escalating situation". In a post on X, Newsom mentioned “despite protests already being managed by the LAPD". “Los Angeles: Remain peaceful. Don’t fall into the trap that extremists are hoping for."