Trump Deploys National Guard in Response to Immigration Protests in Los Angeles
On Saturday night, President Donald Trump signed an order to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to address ongoing protests surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations. The demonstration has escalated into confrontations between federal agents and protestors, prompting this significant federal response.
Rising Tensions Between Federal Agents and Protesters
The deployment comes amid continued clashes between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and demonstrators opposing recent immigration raids in the city. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that violent groups have targeted ICE officers and other federal agents as they attempted deportation operations.
Leavitt also clarified that parts of the California National Guard, which normally report to Governor Gavin Newsom, are being federalized under the President's authority to assist with this unrest.
Political Reactions Fuel the Divide
Vice President JD Vance condemned the protestors, labeling them "insurrectionists" who carry foreign flags while attacking immigration officers. Vance criticized political leaders who oppose border enforcement, hinting at a perceived political imbalance.
Meanwhile, President Trump accused Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of failing to maintain order. In a strongly worded social media post, he stated that if local leaders cannot control the unrest, the federal government would intervene to resolve the “riots and looters” effectively.
Governor Newsom fired back, calling the federal intervention “purposefully inflammatory” and warned that it could further inflame tensions. He emphasized that local authorities have sufficient resources and are coordinating closely with city and county law enforcement.
“This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust,” Newsom wrote.
Official Presidential Directive on National Guard Activation
The White House also released a formal memo directing the secretary of defense, attorney general, and secretary of homeland security to activate National Guard units. The memo described the protests and violence as obstructing law enforcement and constituting rebellion against the authority of the U.S. government.
It states, “In light of these incidents and credible threats of continued violence, by the authority vested in me as President – I hereby call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard.”
Meanwhile, Trump Spends Evening at UFC Event
While tensions escalated in Los Angeles, the President attended an Ultimate Fighting Championship match at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, underscoring the divide between political action and public unrest.
What's Next?
The situation remains fluid, with federal forces poised to support immigration enforcement amid ongoing protests. Authorities continue to monitor events closely as they unfold.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
