National Guard Sent to Los Angeles Amid Rising Immigration Protests
In response to escalating protests against immigration raids, President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, emphasizing the need to restore law and order. The move follows reports of demonstrators allegedly engaging in hostile actions towards federal agents.
President Trump’s Firm Stance on Law Enforcement
Speaking briefly to reporters before departing for Camp David, Trump criticized protestors for provoking federal officers. He remarked, “They spit and worse… When that happens, I have a little statement: they spit, we hit. Nobody's going to spit on our police officers or military personnel.” The president underscored that any threat to the nation or its citizens would prompt a forceful response.
Calls to ‘Liberate’ Los Angeles From Migrant ‘Invasion’
Taking his message further on social media, Trump described Los Angeles as a city under siege by what he termed an illegal migrant invasion. Referencing ongoing violent protests, he asserted that assaults on federal agents would only harden his administration’s resolve.
He directed top officials including the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Defense, and Attorney General to "take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion" and promised that order would be restored with illegal immigrants expelled.
Protests and Local Response
The unrest comes after federal immigration agents carried out a wave of raids in the city, prompting demonstrators to gather and confront authorities. At one point, National Guard personnel deployed tear gas to disperse crowds near a detention center.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the President’s troop deployment, labeling it an attempt to “manufacture a crisis.” Meanwhile, the White House defended the action as legal under Title 10—a rarely invoked provision allowing federalization of the National Guard during serious threats or rebellions.
Possibility of Further Military Action
Though the US Insurrection Act has not been invoked yet, which would permit deployment of active-duty military forces for domestic enforcement, Trump suggested he remains open to escalating measures. He commented, “We’re looking at troops everywhere. We’re not going to let this happen to our country.”
When pressed about conditions under which Marines might be deployed instead of the Guard, his response was succinct: “The bar is what I think it is.”
Looking Ahead
The situation in Los Angeles remains tense as federal authorities attempt to continue immigration operations amidst growing protests. The President’s uncompromising rhetoric and increased military presence signal a hardening stance on immigration enforcement, while local officials and activists continue to voice concerns over civil rights and humanitarian impacts.
