Trump says LA ‘invaded’ on day 3 of violent immigration protests

Downtown Los Angeles, California (Image credits: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to comment on the situation in Los Angeles, claiming the "once great American city" has been "invaded and occupied by illegal aliens and criminals."

Trump has also directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to coordinate with all other Departments and Agencies.

The protest caused major disruption, including a full shutdown of the 101 Freeway.

Hours earlier, Trump stated that order had been restored by the National Guard two days after the violent protests and clashes. He also criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, calling them "incompetent" in managing both the unrest and broader governance issues.

Day 3 of LA protests 

Clashes erupted on the third day of protests against Trump’s immigration crackdown, intensified by the arrival of around 300 federal troops that stirred anger and fear among locals.

As protesters moved closer to guard members, another group of officers responded by firing smoke canisters into the crowd. The LAPD followed up with crowd-control rounds to disperse what they called an unlawful assembly, pushing many demonstrators onto the 101 freeway.

By midday, hundreds gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre in downtown Los Angeles, where individuals detained in earlier immigration raids were being held. Protesters chanted “shame” and “go home” at National Guard members standing in formation with long guns and riot shields.

Tensions carried over from the night before, with images showing burning vehicles and protesters throwing fireworks at helmeted, armed officers. Outside the detention center, buildings were spray-painted with slogans like “f****** ICE” and “f****** LAPD.” By Sunday afternoon, the LAPD declared a “tactical alert.”

Reuters journalists reported several Waymo cars on fire. Over 1,000 of the self-driving vehicles, developed by Google parent Alphabet, were recently recalled after U.S. safety regulators launched a probe into collision risks.

Kamala slams Trump

Former Vice President Kamala Harris slammed President Trump's decision to deploy  National Guard to stop the growing riots in Los Angeles with California Governor Gavin Newsom's consent.

Harris criticized Trump's move by calling it a "dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos." She went to dub the decision a "part of the administration, cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division."

My statement on what's unfolding in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/rujs8mrVPK Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 8, 2025

Trump reasoned his decision to activate the National Guard by saying, “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”

(With agency inputs)