President Donald Trump has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. He took this action to control violent protests sparked by immigration raids on undocumented migrants.
Immigration Raids Spark Protests
Over the past week, ICE agents carried out multiple operations across Los Angeles. These actions triggered angry protests, especially in the largely Latino neighborhood of Paramount. On Saturday, clashes broke out between protesters and federal agents. Officers used tear gas and batons to break up the crowds. Authorities reported 118 arrests during the week. On Friday alone, they detained 44 people.
California Leaders Condemn Federal Raids
Governor Gavin Newsom strongly condemned the raids. He called them “cruel.” On Saturday, he spoke with Trump for about 40 minutes. Officials have not shared what they discussed.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass blamed ICE for “sowing terror.” However, federal officials, including the FBI and Homeland Security leaders, warned that such statements endangered agents on the ground.
Protests Continue in Paramount
Even after Saturday’s violence, the situation in Paramount remained tense. Tear gas and smoke still filled the air outside Home Depot, where the protests began. Police fired flashbangs and gas every few minutes to clear the area.
Locals said migrants were hiding in nearby shops, afraid to come out. Over 80 percent of Paramount’s population is Hispanic, which adds to the sensitivity of ICE’s presence.
White House Justifies the Military Response
The White House released a strong statement. It said “violent mobs” had attacked federal officers and claimed the situation was out of control. It also blamed Democratic leaders for failing to act.
According to the statement, Trump signed a memorandum to deploy troops and “end lawlessness.”
Border Czar Warns of Crackdown
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, traveled to LA to oversee the operation. He said, “We’re bringing in more resources as we speak. We gonna bring the National Guard in tonight.”
He added that the government would show “zero tolerance” for violence or property damage.
Federal Officials Support Trump’s Decision
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino posted a warning to protesters. He wrote, “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.” Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth also announced that his department had mobilised the National Guard “immediately.” He added that Marines at Camp Pendleton were on high alert and ready to step in if needed.
LAPD Says Protests Turned Peaceful
Later on Saturday, the LAPD issued a statement. It confirmed that protests had remained peaceful throughout the day. The department praised citizens for exercising their rights responsibly. Still, it said officers were prepared to act if unrest resumed.
Newsom Rejects Federal Intervention
Governor Newsom pushed back against Trump’s decision. He said taking control of California’s National Guard was “purposefully inflammatory.” He warned that this move would only “escalate tensions.” Earlier, Newsom had already criticised the raids. He said, “Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining workers.”
Immigrant Rights Group Raises Alarm
Angelica Salas, head of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, spoke at a rally. She said, “Our community is under attack and is being terrorised. These are workers. These are fathers. These are mothers. And this has to stop.”
Trump Defends His Action on Social Media
Trump responded to critics on Truth Social. He warned that if Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass “cannot do their jobs,” then “the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS and LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”