Trump's ICE war spills onto streets: Where's the US headed?
The
Los Angeles riots
might remind some people of the movie 'Civil War', released last year, which portrayed a near-future America descending into chaos as political divisions erupt into violent conflict. In both the film and the current real-world unrest, Los Angeles becomes a central battleground, symbolizing the breakdown of national unity and the erosion of institutional authority, albeit the current LA riots are more public disorder than a civil war. Just as the movie imagined journalists navigating a fractured, war-torn country with clashing factions and crumbling norms, today's scenes of ICE raids, violent protests and open defiance by state leaders of federal authority evoke the possibility that America's divisions may no longer be merely political but becoming existential.
On Sunday, California National Guard troops were deployed in LA to help contain a third consecutive day of protests. These demonstrations, sparked by the Trump administration's intensification of immigration enforcement actions, have turned violent in parts of the city. As federal agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted high-profile raids, protesters, many of them illegal immigrants, took to the streets in resistance. What began as demonstrations quickly escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, property damage and street blockades.
In response, President Donald Trump defended the federal crackdown and warned he might invoke the
Insurrection Act
, a rarely used 1807 statute that permits the president to deploy active-duty military forces within US borders in times of rebellion or unrest. Meanwhile, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom called the National Guard deployment 'unlawful,' highlighting the widening rift between state and federal authority, particularly in Democratic-led states.
Play Video
Pause
Skip Backward
Skip Forward
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
0:00
Loaded
:
0%
0:00
Stream Type
LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
1x
Playback Rate
Chapters
Chapters
Descriptions
descriptions off
, selected
Captions
captions settings
, opens captions settings dialog
captions off
, selected
Audio Track
default
, selected
Picture-in-Picture
Fullscreen
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text
Color
White
Black
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Opaque
Semi-Transparent
Text Background
Color
Black
White
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Opaque
Semi-Transparent
Transparent
Caption Area Background
Color
Black
White
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Transparent
Semi-Transparent
Opaque
Font Size
50%
75%
100%
125%
150%
175%
200%
300%
400%
Text Edge Style
None
Raised
Depressed
Uniform
Drop shadow
Font Family
Proportional Sans-Serif
Monospace Sans-Serif
Proportional Serif
Monospace Serif
Casual
Script
Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values
Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
The 15 Most Beautiful Beaches On Earth
Kingdom Of Men
Learn More
Undo
A nation divided over illegal immigrants
At the heart of this confrontation lies a deep and enduring ideological divide over immigration. For Trump and his supporters, enforcing immigration law, particularly through aggressive ICE raids, represents a non-negotiable commitment to national sovereignty and public safety. The Trump administration has long argued that failure to enforce immigration laws undermines the rule of law, burdens public resources and jeopardizes
national security
. The recent crackdown, Trump claims, is a necessary escalation to restore order and signal the administration's seriousness about deporting those in the country illegally.
Yet to Trump's critics, chiefly Democratic leaders and immigrant rights groups, the tactics are viewed as not just heavy-handed but morally wrong. Many argue that these policies target vulnerable families, disrupt communities, and fan the flames of xenophobia. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have declared themselves "
sanctuary cities
", where local officials refuse to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities, setting up legal and ethical clashes over jurisdiction and responsibility.
Live Events
The protests, though initially peaceful, have increasingly featured militant rhetoric and violent outbursts, which Republican leaders cite as evidence of lawlessness and the failure of progressive leadership. Democratic leaders, in contrast, view the federal response as an authoritarian overreach.
A crisis in the making
What makes the current situation particularly volatile is that it sits at the intersection of legal, political and social turmoil. The use of the Insurrection Act is exceedingly rare, historically reserved for exceptional breakdowns in civil order (such as the 1992 Los Angeles riots). If invoked now, it would mark one of the most dramatic assertions of federal power in modern American history. This raises profound questions: Can the president override the will of state governors under the pretext of enforcing immigration law? What are the limits of state resistance in a federalist system? And how far are protesters, and their political defenders, willing to go to oppose ICE operations?
Already, there are indications that this conflict could spread to other cities. Sanctuary cities across the US, from Chicago to New York to Seattle, may become flashpoints if ICE expands its efforts. Mass protests, street violence and counter-protests could spiral into wider unrest. If National Guard deployments become more common and federal troops are introduced under the Insurrection Act, America could face a level of domestic militarization not seen since the civil rights era.
Immigration is no longer a policy issue. It has become an existential question about what kind of country the US wants to be. For those on the right, this is a battle for national security and integrity of the country. For those on the left, it is a fight for human rights and a more inclusive society.
The perception that one party is enabling lawlessness while the other is enabling authoritarianism leaves little room for compromise. In the given situation, America might be heading into a future where lines could blur between legal protest, civil disobedience and outright rebellion
The Trump administration's doubling down on immigration enforcement is one of the key promises Trump had made to his base, but violent resistance to federal agencies can light a fuse in several cities. Democratic leaders' refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities may earn praise from progressives, but it also challenges federal supremacy in matters of immigration and law enforcement.
If neither side backs down, the result could be a season of violent protest, federal-state standoffs, and courtroom battles that test the limits of the constitution. The consequences of such a showdown will shape the upcoming midterm election.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
31 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Trump backs call to arrest California governor Newsom over border row
Newsom, a Democrat, responded that he hoped he would never see the day that a president called for the arrest of a sitting governor in the United States Reuters Los Angeles US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would support the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom over possible obstruction of his administration's immigration enforcement measures amid protests in the state. Trump border czar Tom Homan on Saturday threatened to arrest anyone who obstructed enforcement efforts in the state, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Both sharply criticized the Republican president's deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles. "I would do it if I were Tom. I think it's great. Gavin likes the publicity but I think it would be a great thing," Trump said when he returned to the White House. Newsom, a Democrat, responded that he hoped he would never see the day that a president called for the arrest of a sitting governor in the United States. "I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism," Newsom said in a post on X.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Karma on the stairs? Trump stumbles months after ridiculing Biden's slip
Source: X/@armslist What goes around, comes around—sometimes in the form of a misstep. On Sunday, President Donald Trump found himself the subject of online mockery after stumbling on the steps of Air Force One—an ironic twist considering his past ridicule of Joe Biden for doing the same. The brief misstep in Morristown, New Jersey, was quickly recovered, but not before cameras caught the moment and social media users had a field day calling it "stair karma." The stumble happened as President Trump boarded Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport, heading back to Washington, D.C., after weekend engagements. Gripping the handrail with his right hand, Trump's left foot caught the edge of a step. He faltered briefly, bracing himself with a quick touch of the stairs, and then continued up without incident. Though it lasted just a second, the moment immediately sparked chatter online—mainly because of Trump's previous jabs at Biden's own stumbles. Source: X/@armslist To add to the awkwardness, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was accompanying Trump on the flight to Camp David, also tripped on the same set of stairs while boarding. Both recovered quickly, but the double misstep did not go unnoticed. When Trump mocked Biden's fall Trump's stumble drew comparisons to Biden's own high-profile trips—and Trump's sharp criticisms of them. In 2023, Trump mocked Biden after the latter fell at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation in Colorado, calling it 'not inspiring' while also saying, 'I hope he wasn't hurt… You don't want that.' Back in 2020, Trump defended himself for walking cautiously down a ramp at West Point, likening it to 'an ice-skating rink.' He explained at the time, 'The whole thing is crazy… even if you have to tip-toe down a ramp, you don't want that.' In another speech from the campaign trail, Trump jabbed: 'Joe Biden can't even walk up a flight of stairs on Air Force One and he can't put two sentences together.' The incident this week has prompted critics to throw Trump's own words back at him. Source: X/@armslist Social media was quick to remark on this. One user said, 'That looks like the exact same spot President Biden tripped. Those stairs are fired!' A second user, 'Fix the stairs for heavens sake. Is this intentional or just blatant lazy negligence in the maintenance department?' A third user, 'Rubio reading the terrain and taking another one for the team! Love that guy!!'
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
42 minutes ago
- Business Standard
India saw rapid changes across sectors in 11 years: PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government marked the completion of 11 years in office on Monday by unveiling a 176-page 'comprehensive compendium' on India's transformation under the PM's 'visionary leadership' across 14 facets of policymaking — ranging from national security and foreign policy to infrastructure growth, healthcare, women's empowerment, and social justice. 'PM Modi has brought the politics of development — Vikasvaad — into the mainstream, making it a focal point around which political discourse and policy action now revolve,' detailed the booklet, released on Monday morning by the government's Press Information Bureau (PIB). The Modi-led 72-member Union Council of Ministers had taken the oath of office on June 9, 2024. In the afternoon, addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) national headquarters here, the party's National President J P Nadda, who is also a Union minister, said that proactive governance has been the hallmark of Modi's tenure as the country's PM. He said Modi has confronted challenges head-on and taken 'bold decisions' once thought impossible, such as the 'abrogation of Article 370', the 2016 surgical strike, the Balakot air strike, and Operation Sindoor of 2025. Nadda listed the banning of triple talaq, the Citizenship Amendment Act, demonetisation, one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha (LS) and legislative Assemblies, ending the distinction between plan and non-plan expenditure, advancing the Union Budget presentation from the 'colonial-era' February 28 to February 1, and merging the railway Budget with the Union Budget as other key decisions over the past 11 years. Nadda said demonetisation — where people queued up to withdraw money without complaining despite the Opposition's intense efforts to provoke them — was evidence of the credibility of the PM's leadership. Referring to the BJP falling short of the majority mark by 32 seats in the 2024 LS polls and, for the first time since 2014, having to rely on allies to secure a majority — with Opposition leaders raising questions about the government's longevity — Nadda expressed confidence that the NDA government will complete its tenure and asserted it will last the next full term as well. 'Our government is strong. It will last for five years in this term and the next too,' he said. The booklet said, 'The success of Operation Sindoor demonstrated a new India: resolute, swift, and sovereign in action.' It added that a dynamic foreign and national security policy is essential to respond to today's global opportunities and challenges. 'The Modi government has consistently delivered on this front, ensuring a stable, strong, and safe nation,' it said. The booklet highlighted vibrant India-US relations as a foreign policy success, terming it 'Modi's adaptive strategy with the US'. It said India has emerged as an economic powerhouse, with the government creating a base for 'growthade' through infrastructure expansion, such as the development of national highways. The government also said it has championed cooperative federalism by incentivising states to undertake reforms voluntarily. It mentioned the all-time high goods and services tax collections in April 2025. It also detailed measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, adding that 810 million people continue to receive food security. 'There is highest ever representation for the SCs, STs, and OBCs in the Union Council of Ministers,' it said. The government claimed that welfare measures, such as Mission Poshan, have helped improve the sex ratio at birth, which, for the first time, stands at 1,020 women per 1,000 men. At his press conference, Nadda said the Indian economy continues to grow despite global challenges and that international bodies like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have called it a bright spot. He said over 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty — a figure acknowledged globally. Nadda dismissed Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh's jibe at Modi for not addressing a press conference on the government's anniversary. The Union minister questioned what was wrong with the president of the main ruling party speaking to the media. He also criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's remarks about the Election Commission of India and the fairness of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, likening him to a sore loser in a cricket match who blames the umpire for a loss while claiming credit in case of a win. The Congress on Monday released two booklets that flagged stagnating growth, rising hunger, and 'unfulfilled promises' over the 11 years of the Modi government. At a press conference in the national capital, Congress Research Department Head M V Rajeev Gowda released Ek Aur Baar Jumla Sarkar and 11 Saal Jhoothe Vikaas Ke Vaade. He said the first booklet examines promises made by the BJP in its 2024 manifesto, while the second is a 'detailed exposé' of the BJP's 'hollow promises'. 'In the 11-Saal document, one of the first themes they (BJP) highlight is taking care of the poor and the marginalised. They are very happy that 810 million people are getting free foodgrain under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. But the basic problem of hunger is a much larger crisis in India, and it puts us at 105 out of 127 countries in the World Hunger Index. Its implications: malnutrition is affecting our children in a horrible way, crippling their growth. Stunting is at 35.5 per cent; wasting is at 19.3 per cent; underweight is at 32.1 per cent,' Gowda said. He also alleged that the Centre's claim in the PIB booklet that India added over 5,000 defence items to the indigenisation list was untrue. 'Sadly, 40 per cent of the items listed for indigenisation have not been indigenised as of now. India remains one of the top importers of defence rather than a producer and exporter. If you look at 'mission mode DRDO projects,' 23 out of 55 have been delayed, and the share of research and development in our defence budget is only 5.45 per cent,' he said. He further challenged the claim that India is the fastest-growing large economy. 'So, what is happening in this 11th year of your Sarkar, PM Modi? What is happening is reflected in the response of the private sector. Is the Indian private sector investing in India? If you look at the investment figures, after you have given the bonanza tax cut, nothing has changed. They still don't have confidence in the management of your economy to invest,' Gowda said. He added that fixed capital formation has declined to 32.4 per cent — an 11-year low. 'There is another legacy: the glaring inequality. The share of wealth held by India's top 1 per cent is 40 per cent. The bottom 50 per cent have to make do with just over 3 per cent,' the former Congress Member of Parliament said, adding that this is not the economy the country wants.
