Donald Trump's LA crackdown: Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed; protesters flood streets
Federal troops are now patrolling parts of Los Angeles after President Donald Trump authorised the deployment of the National Guard, declaring that 'violent, insurrectionist mobs' were attacking federal agents in an effort to halt ongoing deportation operations.
The move has sparked fierce political backlash and led to violent confrontations in the streets.
'This is a migrant invasion,' Trump wrote on Truth Social, accusing protesters of trying to obstruct federal law enforcement. 'These lawless riots only strengthen our resolve.' The President confirmed he had ordered Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi to do 'all such action necessary' to secure Los Angeles and continue deportations.
Despite the escalating situation, Trump has not invoked the Insurrection Act of 1807, though he has hinted he may consider broader military intervention if unrest spreads. 'We're not going to let this happen to our country,' he told reporters. 'We're going to have troops everywhere.'
California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned the deployment as a 'serious breach of state sovereignty' and urged federal officials to withdraw the Guard immediately.
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Clashes erupt outside federal detention centre
Tensions boiled over on Sunday in downtown Los Angeles as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre, where detainees from recent immigration raids were being held. Protesters chanted 'shame' and 'go home' at National Guard troops stationed outside, while law enforcement fired tear gas, smoke canisters and rubber bullets to clear the streets.
The Los Angeles Police Department declared the demonstration an 'unlawful assembly' and authorised the use of 'less lethal munitions' to disperse the crowd.
Protesters later blocked traffic on the 101 freeway in response.
A helicopter circling above the protest issued warnings to disperse, while social media updates from LAPD Central Division warned that anyone remaining risked arrest.
Governor Newsom decries 'inflammatory' federal action
Governor Newsom has requested the return of control over the Guard, arguing in a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that local authorities were better positioned to manage the situation.
'We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved,' Newsom said. 'The decision to deploy the National Guard without appropriate training or orders risks seriously escalating the situation.' He also accused the administration of trying to 'inflame tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed.'
Several Democratic governors issued a joint statement condemning Trump's move as 'an alarming abuse of power,' echoing Newsom's call to restore local authority.
Federal agents and Guard confront protesters in Paramount
Clashes also occurred on Saturday in Paramount, a predominantly Latino city south of Los Angeles, as protesters confronted agents near ICE offices. Demonstrators reportedly threw rocks and cement chunks at law enforcement vehicles. A federal officer was injured, and the FBI has offered a \$50,000 reward for information on the suspect.
In response, federal agents deployed tear gas, pepper balls and flash-bangs to disperse the crowd.
Trump threatens wider crackdown
Trump told reporters that California officials who attempt to block deportations could face criminal charges. 'If officials stay in the way of law and order, yeah, they will face charges,' he said. The President also suggested the deployment of additional troops, including active-duty Marines, if violence continues.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth backed this stance, warning of further escalation if the unrest persists.
Divided political response
The deployment has sharply divided political leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the President's move, blaming Newsom for failing to control protests. 'Gavin Newsom has shown an inability or an unwillingness to do what is necessary, so the president stepped in,' he said.
By contrast, Senator Bernie Sanders accused Trump of 'moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism' and warned of an erosion of Congressional authority.
Mexican President defends migrants
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a strong defence of her citizens living in the US, saying, 'They migrate out of necessity… they are not criminals.' She promised support to any migrants wishing to return home and insisted that 'human rights must always be respected.'
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