Trump sends National Guard to Los Angeles after immigration raids spark protests

Trump sends National Guard to Los Angeles after immigration raids spark protests

The US National Guard troops began deploying in Los Angeles on Sunday after two days of tense clashes between protesters and federal officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The move follows President Trump’s order to send at least 2,000 Guard members to the city, escalating tensions between the White House and California officials, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Protests erupt over immigration enforcement

Protests first broke out Friday in Los Angeles after residents witnessed ICE agents conducting immigration operations at multiple city locations. As word spread, demonstrators gathered in larger numbers, with confrontations lasting late into the night.

On Saturday, the protests shifted to the city of Paramount, about 16 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. There, residents confronted federal agents gathered in an industrial park. The standoff drew around 300 people and lasted for much of the day. Demonstrators sought to block streets and prevent further arrests.

Federal agents and protesters clash

Protesters shouted at agents to leave and attempted to block their operations. Law enforcement used tear gas and flash bangs to control crowds, while some protesters launched fireworks in return. US Homeland Security reported that about 800 protesters surrounded and breached a federal law-enforcement building, with incidents of vandalism and assaults on ICE officers.

ICE claimed it arrested 118 people last week in Los Angeles, including five alleged gang members. In a statement on X, the agency vowed to continue operations despite what it called “violent protesters.”

US Attorney Bilal Essayli confirmed that more than a dozen protesters were arrested for impeding federal agents, warning that more arrests could follow.

Trump deploys National Guard under rare authority

President Trump ordered the National Guard deployment to protect ICE agents and federal property, invoking Title 10 federal authority. This rare move allows the federal government to take control of the Guard in situations where the president determines it is necessary to enforce the law or restore order under the Insurrection Act.

A spokesman for U.S. Northern Command confirmed that the Guard is operating under this federal directive.

Tensions rise between federal and state leaders

California Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump’s action “purposefully inflammatory.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she is coordinating with law enforcement to find “the best path forward.” Meanwhile, Trump labelled both leaders “incompetent.”

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth further inflamed the situation by suggesting that active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton were on “high alert” and could be deployed if violence continues. Newsom condemned the prospect of Marines on American streets as “deranged behaviour.”

On Sunday, Hegseth reiterated support for federal agents and the National Guard. “The National Guard, and Marines if need be, stand with ICE,” he posted on X.

A politically charged immigration battle

Trump, who won a second term pledging mass deportations, has stepped up enforcement efforts in Democratic-led states and cities. The scenes unfolding in Los Angeles mark one of the most direct clashes yet between his administration and local authorities resisting his immigration agenda.

An additional protest was planned for Sunday afternoon, setting the stage for what could be another volatile day as federal troops deploy across Los Angeles.