President Donald Trump has defended his decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, stating that without their presence, the city would have been “completely obliterated.” This move has sparked controversy, with California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizing the deployment as an “unconstitutional act” and announcing plans to sue the Trump administration. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had believed local police could handle the protests, but Trump argued that the situation required federal intervention.
The protests in Los Angeles began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers carried out raids across the city, resulting in over 100,000 arrests so far in Trump’s second term, according to BBC’s US partner CBS. Demonstrators gathered outside the Federal Building in downtown LA, where migrants arrested during the raids were allegedly being held. The protests have led to clashes between law enforcement and protesters, with reports of tear gas and rubber bullets being used.
Trump described the protesters as “insurrectionists” and “bad people” who should be in jail. He also praised his border chief, Tom Homan, and suggested that Homan should arrest Newsom if given the opportunity. Newsom, however, remains resolute in his opposition, stating that the deployment was part of Trump’s “formula to create chaos.”
The situation has drawn attention to the broader debate over immigration policies in the US. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo predicted that New York City could be the next flashpoint, while Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente reported that at least 42 Mexicans were being held in detention centers after recent immigration raids in Los Angeles.
The White House has defended the deployment, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accusing Newsom of being “weak” and failing to protect the city. The FBI has added a protester to its most wanted list for allegedly assaulting a federal officer and damaging government property. As the situation continues to unfold, LA officials are urging protesters to remain peaceful, while Trump maintains that his actions are necessary to maintain law and order.
The legal basis for deploying the National Guard has also been questioned, with some citing the Insurrection Act, a law that allows the president to use military personnel domestically to assist civilian authorities. This law was last used in Los Angeles during the 1992 riots following the Rodney King case.
The protests are expected to continue, with various groups planning rallies and demonstrations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) will lead a peaceful rally to demand an end to ICE raids, while the Party for Socialism & Liberation is organizing a student walkout at the Federal Building.