- Protests erupted in Los Angeles over federal immigration raids.
- Trump ordered National Guard deployment, defying state and city leaders.
- Officials warn the move could escalate violence and deepen divisions.
Protesters flooded streets in Los Angeles Saturday as federal agents staged operations tied to immigration enforcement. A major protest developed near a Home Depot in Paramount, prompting law enforcement to use tear gas and rubber rounds.
President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who both viewed the move as unnecessary and inflammatory.
Escalating Standoff: California Defies Trump Over National Guard Deployment
Federal immigration raids triggered unrest in L.A., with hundreds of protesters rallying against the operations. Demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, leading to property damage including a burned vehicle and a brief fire at a strip mall. One person was arrested as authorities used forceful measures to disperse the crowds.
President Trump’s order to deploy the National Guard escalated political tensions. Both Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass argued the move could inflame the situation further. In contrast, Trump praised troops for a “job well done” on social media before any had officially arrived in the city.
The Defense Department’s involvement intensified when Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to mobilize active-duty Marines should violence continue. That warning was met with alarm by local leaders and critics, who accused the administration of militarizing a civil issue.
Governor Newsom sharply rebuked Hegseth’s statements, labeling them “deranged behaviour.” The dispute highlights a broader battle between federal authority and California’s resistance to aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, with implications for civil-military relations.
The situation in Los Angeles underscores a volatile mix of immigration politics, protest rights, and federal-state conflict—raising critical questions about democratic accountability and the role of military force in civil matters.
“Deranged behaviour.” – Gavin Newsom
