National Guard Troops Deployed to Los Angeles
In an unprecedented move, National Guard troops began arriving in downtown Los Angeles early Sunday, following orders from President Donald Trump. This decision came in response to recent clashes between federal immigration officials and protesters attempting to block deportation operations.
Deployment Without Governor's Consent
The deployment marks a rare instance where the National Guard was activated in a state without the governor's request. California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the action, calling it "purposefully inflammatory." According to legal experts, this is the first such activation in decades.
Focus on Downtown Los Angeles Amid Protests
The National Guard members, including units from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, were seen around the federal complex hosting the Metropolitan Detention Center. Protest activity has largely been confined to this downtown area and some surrounding neighborhoods.
President Trump announced plans to send 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, deeming the protests a "form of rebellion." Despite the heavy presence of security forces, the majority of Los Angeles’ 4 million residents remain unaffected.
Escalations and Clashes in Latino Communities
Recent confrontations have notably taken place in areas with strong Latino populations, such as Paramount and Compton. During protests, demonstrators attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles, sometimes throwing rocks and cement chunks. Federal officers responded with tear gas, flash-bang devices, and pepper balls.
The weeklong immigration sweeps led to over 100 arrests in Los Angeles, including high-profile detentions during protests. A union leader was among those taken into custody for allegedly obstructing law enforcement.
Federal Officials Defend Tough Measures
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the National Guard's role is to "maintain peace and allow people to protest while ensuring law and order." Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that active-duty Marines could be deployed if violence persisted.
Governor Newsom's Strong Rebuke
Governor Newsom criticized the federal response, describing the deployment as "deranged behavior" and an unnecessary escalation. His concerns highlight the growing tension between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics.
Ongoing Protests and Police Response
Protests continued through the weekend with several hundred demonstrators gathered in Paramount, where a vehicle was set ablaze. Law enforcement employed barbed wire barriers to control crowds in several hotspots.
Meanwhile, in downtown Los Angeles, police declared an unlawful assembly outside federal buildings and began making arrests to disperse the demonstrators.
What Lies Ahead?
As the situation develops, the deployment of the National Guard underscores the administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement. The delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting protest rights remains a focal point for both state officials and federal authorities.
