L.A. protests: 700 marines, 2,000 guardsmen deployed as immigration arrests spark chaos

The protests began on Friday after federal agents arrested more than 40 individuals in LA.

President Donald Trump authorised the deployment of 2,000 additional National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Monday in response to escalating protests over federal immigration raids, according to U.S. officials.

The move, which comes amid nationwide demonstrations, has sparked a political and legal clash with California authorities, who called it an overreach of federal power.

Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the deployment as “reckless” and accused Trump of using troops for political gain. “This isn’t about public safety. It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego,” Newsom posted on X.

The Pentagon also sent around 700 Marines from Twentynine Palms to support National Guard efforts and protect federal property and personnel, including immigration agents.

However, local officials, including Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, expressed concern over a lack of coordination. “This presents a significant logistical and operational challenge,” McDonnell said.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the state is suing the Trump administration over what he called an “abuse of authority.” The lawsuit seeks a court order to halt the deployment, citing a violation of state sovereignty.

The protests began on Friday after federal agents arrested more than 40 individuals in LA.

The demonstrations, which continued into their fourth day, turned violent over the weekend. Protesters blocked freeways, set self-driving cars on fire, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Despite a heavy law enforcement presence, early Monday demonstrations were largely peaceful. Thousands gathered near City Hall for a union rally demanding the release of labor leader David Huerta, who was arrested Friday and later released on a $50,000 bond.

Religious leaders joined efforts to de-escalate tensions, while chants of “Free them all” and “National Guard go away” echoed outside federal buildings.

Trump defended the decision, saying Los Angeles “would have been completely obliterated” without the deployment. At a White House event, he added that state leaders were “afraid to do anything.”

More protests are planned across Los Angeles County and the U.S., as immigration enforcement continues to spark widespread outrage.