Los Angeles: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to mounting unrest triggered by a series of federal immigration raids targeting undocumented migrants.
Speaking on Fox News Saturday, Trump’s immigration advisor Tom Homan stated, “We are securing Los Angeles.” His comments come after a second consecutive day of clashes between residents and federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Latino-majority neighborhoods of the city.
Authorities used tear gas and batons in the Paramount district to disperse demonstrators resisting ICE operations. According to ICE, a total of 118 individuals were detained in Los Angeles this week, including 44 on Friday alone.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids as “cruel,” voicing strong opposition to the federal government’s aggressive immigration enforcement measures.
A White House press release defended the deployment, saying, “In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE officers and federal law enforcement during deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to stopping the assault of illegal criminals in our country.”
The statement accused Democratic leaders in California of abandoning their responsibility to protect public safety, claiming this failure prompted the president to sign an executive memorandum authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops to restore order.
During a visit to Los Angeles to oversee the ongoing operations, Tom Homan emphasized the administration’s commitment: “As we said, we’re bringing in more resources. The National Guard will arrive tonight. We will continue our mission.”
Homan warned there would be "zero tolerance" for violence or property damage during the unrest.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed the administration's stance, posting a stern warning on X (formerly Twitter): “If you create chaos, we will bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.” He confirmed that “multiple arrests” have been made for interfering with federal operations.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accused ICE of “sowing seeds of terror” in the nation’s second-largest city. Federal law enforcement officials pushed back, arguing that such statements endanger agents on the ground.
The president has the legal authority to deploy National Guard troops for specific purposes, including the suppression of insurrection. However, California Governor Newsom described Saturday’s move as “a deliberately provocative action by the federal government” that risks escalating tensions.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump responded to criticism by lashing out at the governor and the mayor, writing: “If Newsom and Bass can’t do their jobs, the federal government will step in to deal with the rioters and looters.”
