Protests erupted across Los Angeles over the weekend in response to President Donald Trump’s deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. The deployment, which occurred without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, marked the first such unilateral action in decades. Demonstrations were sparked by recent federal immigration raids that led to over 100 arrests, particularly targeting Latino neighborhoods. Protesters clashed with law enforcement, setting self-driving cars on fire, blocking freeways, and hurling objects at officers. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and numerous arrests.
Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the federal intervention, calling it an abuse of power and a violation of state sovereignty. In a statement, Newsom criticized the deployment as “purposefully inflammatory” and warned that it would only escalate tensions. He also urged protesters to “never use violence” and to “speak out peacefully.”
President Trump defended the action, invoking federal authority to maintain “law and order,” and hinted at broader military involvement nationwide. He also called for the arrest of masked protesters involved in the escalating anti-ICE demonstrations.
The situation underscores deep national divisions over immigration enforcement and federal intervention, with state and local leaders urging peaceful protests while denouncing federal overreach.