Trump Deploys 2,000 National Guard Troops to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests and Rising Unrest

 Los Angeles, June 8 – President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following widespread protests sparked by a federal immigration crackdown. The move comes amid escalating tensions between state and federal authorities, with California Governor Gavin Newsom warning that the federal mobilization risks inflaming an already volatile situation.

Governor Newsom, in a public statement, criticized the federal decision as “purposefully inflammatory,” asserting that there was no shortage of local law enforcement personnel to manage the situation. “The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” he said, urging the public not to engage provocatively.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on social media that troops would be mobilized "immediately" and added that active-duty Marines could be deployed if disturbances continued. The decision follows two days of unrest triggered by immigration enforcement operations in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including the predominantly Latino community of Paramount.

On Saturday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) extended its operations into industrial zones of Paramount, where they were met with significant public opposition. Demonstrators clashed with border enforcement officers clad in riot gear and gas masks. Tear gas was deployed against protesters and bystanders as the confrontation escalated into a prolonged standoff.

Footage and eyewitness accounts showed protest signs reading "No Human Being is Illegal" and chants urging ICE agents to leave the area. Several individuals were reported injured by projectiles, and more than a dozen arrests were made. According to federal officials, charges included obstruction of immigration agents and, in some cases, assault. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that at least two individuals were detained for assaulting officers, and one Molotov cocktail was reportedly thrown.

While tensions appeared to subside slightly by Saturday evening, law enforcement continued to monitor potential flare-ups in nearby neighborhoods like Compton, where glass bottles were reportedly thrown at officers. Tear gas was again used to disperse demonstrators.

The White House responded forcefully. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused California's Democratic leadership of failing to maintain order, stating, "The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when directed at law enforcement officers performing their duties." She confirmed that President Trump signed a memorandum late Saturday night federalizing California's National Guard under Title 10 authority.

The memorandum characterized the protests as obstructing the execution of federal law and declared them a "form of rebellion" against U.S. government authority. In response, Governor Newsom insisted there was “no unmet need” and emphasized that his administration remained in close coordination with local and county officials. He also directed the California Highway Patrol to reinforce public safety on state roads and highways.

“The federal government is sowing chaos so they can have an excuse to escalate. That is not how any civilized nation behaves,” Newsom added. He further condemned threats by Secretary Hegseth to deploy active-duty Marines, calling such rhetoric "deranged."

President Trump, in a statement posted on Truth Social, criticized both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, vowing that the federal government would “step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”

Earlier on Saturday, White House immigration advisor Tom Homan confirmed that the National Guard deployment was imminent. “We’re going to bring the National Guard in tonight and continue doing our job. This is about enforcing the law,” he told Fox News.

Mayor Karen Bass described the unfolding events as “deeply concerning” and reiterated the city's support for peaceful protest. “Violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable,” she stated.

Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons clarified that no raids had occurred within her city limits and suggested that demonstrators may have been responding to visible preparations by federal agents near Department of Homeland Security facilities. “They’re just frightened,” she said. “When things are handled this way, chaos is bound to follow.”

On Friday, ICE officers reportedly detained dozens of individuals during operations at various commercial locations, including a clothing warehouse and multiple retail outlets. Among those arrested was David Huerta, President of the California branch of the Service Employees International Union. He was detained during a protest outside a federal detention center, sustaining injuries in a police response involving tear gas and flash-bang grenades.

From the hospital, Huerta issued a statement declaring that the incident represents broader injustice: “This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice that’s happening. Hard-working people and members of our community are being treated like criminals.”

ICE reported the arrest of 118 individuals during the weekend’s enforcement operations, which drew sharp criticism from state leaders. Governor Newsom accused the administration of pursuing “chaotic federal sweeps” to meet “an arbitrary arrest quota,” calling them “reckless” and “cruel.”

Mayor Bass added, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this.”

The Department of Homeland Security pushed back against criticism, accusing state leaders of fueling hostility against federal agents. “The violent rhetoric of sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. This violence against ICE must end,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

In separate remarks, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller characterized the demonstrations as “an insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States,” calling the events “a violent insurrection.”

As the crisis unfolds, California and federal officials remain locked in an increasingly bitter standoff, highlighting the deep divisions over immigration enforcement, civil protest, and the balance of power between state and federal governance.