
National Guard arrives in LA on Trump's orders to quell immigration protests
National Guard troops began arriving in Los Angeles on Sunday on orders from US president Donald Trump, in response to clashes in recent days between federal immigration authorities and protesters seeking to block them from carrying out deportations.
Members of California's National Guard were seen mobilising at the federal complex in central Los Angeles that includes the Metropolitan Detention Centre, one of several sites that have seen confrontations involving hundreds of people in last two days.
The troops included members of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, according to a social media post from the Department of Defence that showed dozens of National Guard members with long guns and an armoured vehicle.
Mr Trump has said he is deploying 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell the protests, which he called "a form of rebellion".
The deployment was limited to a small area in central Los Angeles. The protests have been relatively small and limited to that area. The rest of the city of four million people is largely unaffected.
Their arrival follows clashes near a Home Depot in the heavily Latino city of Paramount, south of Los Angeles.
As protesters sought to block Border Patrol vehicles, some hurling rocks and chunks of cement, federal agents unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls.
Tensions were high after a series of sweeps by immigration authorities the previous day, as the weeklong tally of immigrant arrests in the city climbed past 100.
A prominent union leader was arrested while protesting and accused of impeding law enforcement.
On Sunday, homeland security secretary Kristi Noem said the National Guard would "keep peace and allow people to be able to protest but also to keep law and order".
In a signal of the administration's aggressive approach, defence secretary Pete Hegseth also threatened to deploy active-duty marines "if violence continues" in the region.
The move came over the objections of governor Gavin Newsom, marking the first time in decades that a state's national guard was activated without a request from its governor, according to the Brennan Centre for Justice.
In a directive on Saturday, Mr Trump invoked a legal provision allowing him to deploy federal service members when there is "a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States".
Mr Newsom, a Democrat, said Mr Trump's decision to call in the National Guard was "purposefully inflammatory".
He described Mr Hegseth's threat to deploy marines on American soil as "deranged behaviour".
In a statement on Sunday, assistant homeland security secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused California's politicians and protesters of "defending heinous illegal alien criminals at the expense of Americans' safety".
"Instead of rioting, they should be thanking Ice (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer," Ms McLaughlin added.
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders said the order by Mr Trump reflected "a president moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism" and "usurping the powers of the United States Congress".
Mr Trump's order came after clashes in Paramount and neighbouring Compton, where a car was set on fire.
Protests continued into the evening in Paramount, with several hundred demonstrators gathered near a doughnut shop, and authorities holding up barbed wire to keep the crowd back.
Crowds also gathered again outside federal buildings in central Los Angeles, including a detention centre, where police declared an unlawful assembly and began to arrest people.
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The Irish Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Good Morning Britain chaos as host is forced to stop live segment that ‘can't be broadcast' and apologise
A GOOD Morning Britain anchor was forced to halt a live segment and promptly apologise during Tuesday's episode. Presenter 6 Good Morning Britain anchor Ranvir Singh was forced to intervene and halt a show segment Credit: ITV 6 It came during a live broadcast from LA Credit: ITV 6 GMB's North America correspondent Noel Phillips' outdoor segment amid the LA riots was disrupted by 'profanities' Credit: GMB As the reporter attempted to outline the unfolding riots in the American city, a furious resident also appeared on screen shouting out swear words - which the camera clearly picked up. Noel, who was clad in safety protection gear as rioters battled cops over immigration raids, then said: "I do apologise for language you are hearing, tensions are very high here." Good Morning Britain favourite Ranvir then cut in and addressed the "profanities" broadcast before she apologised. She said: "I'm just going to interrupt that - I think we could hear some profanities going on near Noel." read more gmb She continued: "Of course we can't really broadcast this at 8.09am but we are going to try to get back to him," before cutting the live broadcast and instead introducing a pre-recorded segment Noel had filmed on the standoff. One fan was quick to flag the incident on social media and raged: "Nearly choked on my cornflakes! Never expected that bystander's sweary rant on @GMB." Noel was hit by a rubber bullet yesterday while reporting on the riots. Later in the show, he told how he was doing "much better than I was" after being pelted by the golf ball size device, which left a "huge wound." Most read in News TV POTUS Donald Trump has sent 700 US Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops to LA to defend the city from immigration raid riots. Violent protests have spread across the US over the past 24 hours with lawless demonstrators arrested in California, New York and Texas. GMB's Richard Madeley sparks concern as he reveals mystery injury live on TV The City of Angels has been engulfed in anarchy over the past four days as rioters have burned cars and battled with cops. A defiant Trump has called for a quick end to the protests so he can enforce his immigration policy. The President has claimed LA - a sanctuary city - has now been "invaded" by illegal immigrants. He raged "If they spit, we'll hit" after reports of masked rioters spitting in the face of cops emerged. Good Morning Britain presenters Current presenters: Susanna Reid (presenters Monday to Wednesday and alternate Thursdays) - 2014 to present Kate Garraway (presenters alternate Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to present Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert) - 2021 to present Richard Madeley (presents Monday to Thursday) - 2022 to present Ed Balls (presents on a rotating basis) - 2022 to present Former presenters: Ben Shephard (Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to 2024 Piers Morgan (Monday to Wednesday) - 2015 to 2021 Lorraine Kelly (Monday to Friday) - 2022 Trump said: "I promise you they will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before." His latest call has seen the US Marines drafted in to help restore order. The decision to bolster up LA's police force was widely criticized by California's leadership. Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass insisted the federal troops only escalated the peaceful protests into riots on Sunday night. It has been a chaotic week for GMB on-screen. On Monday, show anchor 6 A man clad in a mask caused havoc during Noel's live broadcast Credit: ITV 6 Ranvir then played out a pre-recorded segment instead Credit: ITV 6 US President Donald Trump has sent 700 US Marines and thousands more National Guard troops to Los Angeles in an attempt to quell the riots Credit: AFP

The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Trump orders 700 US Marines and more National Guard troops to Los Angeles as unrest continues
US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump ordered active-duty US Marines and 2,000 more National Guard troops into Los Angeles last night, vowing those protesting immigration arrests would be 'hit harder' than ever. Trump's extraordinary mobilisation of 700 full-time professional military personnel and thousands of National Guard troops came on the fourth day of street protests. The protests were triggered after the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made dozens of arrests after a series of immigration raids in a city with huge foreign-born and Latino populations. California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the move, posting on X that US Marines 'shouldn't be deployed on American soil facing their own countrymen to fulfill the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial President. This is un-American.' The deployment came after demonstrators took over streets in downtown LA on Sunday, torching cars and looting stores in scenes that saw law enforcement responding with tear gas and rubber bullets. LA: Your voice matters. Trump is trying to provoke chaos by sending 4,000 soldiers onto American soil. Foolish agitators who take advantage of Trump's chaos will be held accountable. Stay safe. Stay calm. Look out for one another. — Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 10, 2025 Monday's demonstrations unfolded largely peacefully, however, after weekend protests triggered by dozens of arrests of people authorities said were illegal migrants and gang members. 'Pigs go home!' demonstrators shouted at National Guardsmen outside a federal detention center. Others banged on the sides of unmarked vehicles as they passed through police containment lines. One small business owner whose property was graffitied was supportive of the strongarm tactics. 'I think it's needed to stop the vandalism,' she told AFP, declining to give her name. Advertisement Protesters gathered outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on Monday. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Others were horrified. 'They're meant to be protecting us, but instead, they're like, being sent to attack us,' Kelly Diemer, 47, told AFP. 'This is not a democracy anymore.' In the nearby city of Santa Ana, about 50 kilometers southwest of Los Angeles, law enforcement fired tear gas and flash-bang grenades on protesters chanting against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency as darkness fell. 'Hit harder' Speaking in Washington, Trump branded the protesters 'professional agitators and insurrectionists.' On social media, he said protesters spat at troops and if they continued to do so, 'I promise you they will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before.' Despite isolated and eye-catching acts of violence, officials and local law enforcement stressed the majority of protesters over the weekend had been peaceful. Schools across Los Angeles were operating normally on Monday, while the rhythms of life in the sprawling city appeared largely unchanged. Contrasting Trump's descriptions of the protests, Mayor Karen Bass said 'this is isolated to a few streets. This is not citywide civil unrest.' Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said local authorities were able to control the city. 'The introduction of federal, military personnel without direct coordination creates logistical challenges and risks confusion during critical incidents,' he told reporters. At least 56 people were arrested over two days and five officers suffered minor injuries, Los Angeles Police Department officials said, while about 60 people were arrested in protests in San Francisco. US President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon his return to the White House in Washington DC. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Protesters also scuffled with police in New York City and in Austin, Texas on Monday. Read Next Related Reads Trump deploys 500 US Marines to Los Angeles as clashes continue with state officials What's happening in LA, where Trump has deployed the National Guard? Police made several arrests after around 100 people gathered near a federal building in Manhattan where immigration hearings are held, an AFP reporter there saw, while law enforcement fired tear gas on dozens of protesters in Austin, NBC affiliate KXAN reported. Trump's use of the military was an 'incredibly rare' move for a US president, Rachel VanLandingham, a professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles and a former lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force, told AFP. The National Guard has not been deployed over the head of a state governor since 1965 at the height of the civil rights movement. US law largely prevents the use of the military as a policing force on home soil absent an insurrection. For good reason, VanLandingham said, explaining that troops such as the Marines are trained to use lethal force, as opposed to domestic peacetime law enforcement. 'What does 'protect' mean to a heavily armed Marine??? Who has not/not trained with local law enforcement, hence creating a command and control nightmare?' she told AFP via email. The Pentagon said late Monday Trump had authorised an extra 2,000 guardsmen, seemingly on top of the 2,000 he deployed over the weekend. Around 1,700 guardsmen had taken up positions in Los Angeles by late Monday, the US Northern Command said. With reporting from © AFP 2025 Need more clarity and context on how migration is being discussed in Ireland? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to finding good information online. Visit Knowledge Bank Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal


RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Trump flexes strongman instincts over LA protests
Donald Trump likes to show off his strongman credentials at cage fights and military parades - and over the weekend, the US President did it by sending troops into Los Angeles. The move once again showed Mr Trump pushing presidential power to its limits, at the start of a second term that has begun with what critics say is a distinctly authoritarian edge. Mr Trump deployed the National Guard after clashes sparked by immigration raids, marking the first time since 1965 that a president has done so without a request by a state governor. His administration has also ordered 700 active-duty Marines into the second largest city in the US. The Republican has warned that troops could be sent "everywhere" - sparking fears that he will send the military out into the streets across the US to crack down on protests and dissent. "It's a slippery slope," William Banks, a law professor at Syracuse University said. "If the president tries to do more, he's cutting against the grain in the United States of a long history of leaving law enforcement to civilians." The protests in Los Angeles are in many ways the showdown that Mr Trump has been waiting for. Mr Trump has been spoiling for a fight against California's Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, and he is now doing so on his signature issue of immigration. Newsom has bitterly accused the "dictatorial" president of manufacturing the crisis for political gain - while Mr Trump suggested the governor, a potential 2028 presidential contender, could be arrested. Democratic California senator Alex Padilla slammed what he called "the behavior of an authoritarian government." Rights groups have also opposed it. Hina Shamsi of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said in a statement that Mr Trump's response was "unnecessary, inflammatory, and an abuse of power." 'Civil war' Mr Trump said that he does not "want a civil war" - but the situation is a golden opportunity to appear tough to his base. Indeed, Mr Trump has long cultivated a strongman image and has previously expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping. This weekend, Mr Trump will spend his 79th birthday watching tanks rumble through Washington at a parade to mark the 250th anniversary of the US army. And the order to send the National Guard into Los Angeles came shortly before Mr Trump attended a UFC fight in New Jersey - a sport he has used frequently to appeal to macho voters. Critics however fear that Mr Trump's actions in Los Angeles are not just for show. Since returning to office, Mr Trump has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of presidential power to target the US bureaucracy, universities, law firms, cultural institutions and anywhere else he believes liberal ideologies linger. Mr Trump seemed to hint at what could come next when he pinned the blame for the Los Angeles unrest - without evidence - on "insurrectionists." It appeared to be a clear reference to the Insurrection Act, which would allow the military to be used as a domestic police force. 'Look strong' "Trump is pretty free and loose when it comes to the use of force," Todd Belt, a political science professor at George Washington University said. "He knows it is popular with his base, and he always likes to look strong in their eyes." Mr Trump has talked for years about using the military against protests. Although he did not do so during his first term, his former defense secretary Mark Esper said Mr Trump asked why Black Lives Matter protesters could not be shot in the legs. Conversely, Mr Trump made no move to bring in the military when his own supporters attacked the US Capitol in a bid to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Mr Trump would not say if he would invoke the Insurrection Act when asked by reporters, but he and his advisors have been framing the issue in increasingly apocalyptic terms. His top migration advisor Stephen Miller has explicitly framed the Los Angeles protests as a battle for the future of Western civilization against an "invasion" of migrants. "The 'war' and 'invasion' framing have helped the administration make the case for the domestic use of these laws that are normally used to put down rebellions or invasions," said Mr Belt.