Los Angeles Protests Heat Up With National Guard on Streets
Los Angeles witnessed heightened unrest over the weekend as thousands of protesters flooded the streets in reaction to the unprecedented deployment of the National Guard. Demonstrators blocked a major freeway and set autonomous vehicles ablaze while law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades in efforts to control the crowd.
Police officers, some mounted on horseback and others clad in riot gear, stood alongside National Guard troops tasked with securing federal facilities, including a detention center where recent immigrant arrests were made.
Protests Sparked By Immigration Raids and Federal Presence
This outbreak marks the third consecutive day of demonstrations protesting the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement. The arrival of approximately 300 National Guard members intensified tensions, stirring both anger and apprehension among local residents.
By midday, hundreds had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center downtown, shouting slogans like "shame" and "go home" at the Guard troops lined up to protect the facility. When protesters inched closer to the troops, law enforcement released smoke canisters and crowd-control munitions to disperse them.
Later, protesters moved to block traffic along the 101 freeway until officers from the California Highway Patrol cleared the roadway in the late afternoon.
Governance Clash Over Guard Deployment
The presence of the National Guard drew swift criticism. California Governor Gavin Newsom, in a letter to the president, described the deployment as an "inflammatory" move and a "serious breach of state sovereignty." He formally requested the immediate withdrawal of troops.
Mayor Karen Bass weighed in during a press briefing, stating, "What we're seeing in Los Angeles is chaos provoked by the administration. This isn’t about public safety—it’s about pushing another agenda."
President Donald Trump defended the deployment, blaming state Democrats for failing to curb protests against immigration agents and describing the National Guard’s presence as necessary to restore order.
Days of Protests Ignite Citywide Unrest
The National Guard's arrival followed days of escalating demonstrations that began Friday in downtown Los Angeles, then spread to Paramount, a predominantly Latino city south of Los Angeles, and Compton.
At a staging area near a Home Depot in Paramount, protesters attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles, leading to clashes where rocks and concrete were thrown. Federal agents responded with tear gas, flash-bang devices, and pepper balls.
Immigration raids in the prior days led to over 100 arrests, fueling frustration and protests. Even a prominent union leader was detained for allegedly obstructing law enforcement.
Historical Context: A Rare State Guard Activation
While large, these protests remain smaller compared to previous civil unrest in Los Angeles history, such as the Watts and Rodney King riots or the 2020 police violence protests. Notably, this is the first time in decades that the National Guard has been deployed in California without the governor’s consent—a bold federal move not seen since 1965 during civil rights marches.
Trump’s Promise of "Strong Law and Order" and Federal Crackdown
Invoking a legal provision enabling the deployment during "a rebellion or danger of a rebellion," Trump authorized up to 2,000 National Guard troops for the operation.
Speaking shortly before boarding Air Force One, the president asserted there were "violent people" in Los Angeles who "won't get away with it." He hinted at sending active-duty troops nationwide to prevent further disorder.
Trump also warned that California officials hindering deportation efforts could face legal consequences, citing a recent case where a Wisconsin judge was arrested for allegedly facilitating immigration evasion.
Federal Officials Escalate Warnings
Homeland Security's Assistant Secretary criticized California's politicians and protesters for prioritizing immigrants over American safety. The Defense Secretary further threatened to deploy active-duty Marines if unrest persists, with approximately 500 Marines stationed nearby in a ready-to-deploy status.
Local and National Reactions
- Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the order as a rapid slide toward authoritarianism and a congressional power usurpation.
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris denounced the immigration crackdown and Guard deployment as a strategy to induce fear and division, voicing support for those protecting fundamental rights.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed President Trump’s hardline approach, criticizing Governor Newsom's handling of the situation.
Uncertainty Over Troop Movements
Confusion emerged regarding the timing of the Guard’s arrival. While Trump praised them for a "job well done" shortly before midnight, Los Angeles officials reported troops had not yet arrived.
Looking Ahead
The situation remains tense as authorities navigate the complex dynamics between local dissent and federal enforcement. With promises of increased troop deployments looming, Los Angeles braces for further protests and political turmoil.
