Trump Commends National Guard Amid Rising Unrest in Los Angeles
President Donald Trump has publicly praised the National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles following days of intense protests and confrontations sparked by federal immigration enforcement actions. Taking to his social media platform, he lauded the forces for their "great job" in managing the situation, which erupted after federal immigration raids stirred widespread unrest.
Federal Raids Trigger Massive Demonstrations
The deployment of roughly 2,000 National Guard troops was ordered after tensions surged over enforcement efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The raids, which took place on multiple sites across the city, resulted in the arrest of 44 individuals accused of immigration violations. Demonstrators subsequently gathered outside an industrial park, leading to violent clashes that persisted over the weekend.
California Leadership Pushes Back, Trump Fires Back
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed strong opposition to the federal troop deployment, labeling it as an act that would "escalate tensions" and accusing the federal government of encroaching on state authority regarding the National Guard. He warned that such actions undermine public trust and represent the wrong approach to the crisis.
In response, the White House characterized the deployment as a necessary measure to curb what it described as growing lawlessness in California. Trump himself did not hold back, criticizing both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for what he described as their "incompetency," referencing their management of recent fires and permitting issues.
Mask Ban Announced for Protesters
Adding further restrictions, Trump declared that masks would no longer be permitted for protesters. He suggested that the masks are being used to conceal identities and propagate unrest, stating: "These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED. Also, from now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why???"
Looking Ahead
As tensions remain high, the situation in Los Angeles highlights the ongoing divide between federal and state authorities over immigration enforcement and public safety. The National Guard’s role and new protest restrictions are likely to be focal points in the unfolding dialogue around law enforcement and civil liberties.
