Tensions Explode In Los Angeles Over Immigration Raids and Trump’s National Guard Deployment

Key takeaways:

• Trump sent National Guards troops to Los Angeles despite the city’s governor’s request of not sending the National Guards to Los Angeles.
• The situation worsened with the guard’s arrival, and protests became violent.
• China advised its people to stay away from unrest and boost their security. 

LOS ANGELES: A series of immigration raids and arrests were seen in recent violent protests across Los Angeles on the weekend. The protest became violent with Trump’s move to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. The move has ignited fierce legal and political backlash. California Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to sue the Trump administration for what he called an “illegal federalization” of the state’s military forces. 

Violent protests shake the city:

In Los Angeles, an unusual clash is seen between protestors and the security forces in response to immigration sweeps. Protesters torched vehicles, hurled projectiles, and defied police orders to disperse. In response, police fired tear gas and used rubber bullets to break up crowds.

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In the protest, more than 56 people were arrested. In multiple videos, National guardsmen are seen in camouflage gear and helmets standing beside heavily armed police. It raised public concerns about excessive militarization. One of the protestors said, “You have the National Guard with loaded magazines and large guns standing around trying to intimidate Americans.” 

Newsom Slams Trump’s Actions as “Dictatorial”:

California Governor Gavin Newsom was highly dissatisfied and unhappy with Trump’s move to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles. He strongly condemned Trump’s decision. 

He said on X, “This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted. He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard. We’re suing him. These are the acts of a dictator, not a President.”

He further said that Trump has to take back his decision as the state has filed a lawsuit against the legality of the deployment and called for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Los Angeles County.

White House defends military presence:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social media. Leavitt said, “Gavin Newsom did nothing as violent riots erupted in Los Angeles for days. President Trump has stepped in to maintain law and order.” 

Leavitt also framed the unrest within Trump’s broader anti-immigration campaign. She said, “America must reverse the invasion unleashed by Joe Biden of millions of unvetted illegal aliens into our country.”

Trump called the protestors “insurrectionists.” He demanded tough legal action against anyone wearing face coverings. He wrote, “BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!!”

LA mayor and UN call for de-escalation:

The LA mayor admitted that some demonstrators spread unrest while the situation escalated due to the deployment of military personnel. She blamed the Trump administration for undermining local efforts to handle the situation peacefully. UN spokesman Farhan Haq cautioned against intensifying the crisis. He stated, “We do not want to see any further militarization of this situation, and we encourage the parties at the local, state and federal levels to work to do that.”

Pentagon on high alert:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon is prepared to deploy active-duty troops if violence continues. Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton are on high alert. The US Northern Command confirmed that 500 Marines could be sent into Los Angeles if ordered.

City under surveillance:

The Los Angeles streets were empty. The police are patrolling the protest areas. News helicopters filmed officers forming barricades to keep demonstrators and armed National Guard units apart. During a live broadcast, a rubber bullet struck a female reporter. She was not badly injured. Her channel confirmed the news, but the incident has raised questions about press freedom.

China issues travel warning for LA:

China urged its citizens to avoid demonstrations and take extra precautions. The advisory stated that individuals should “strengthen personal security measures, stay away from gatherings, crowded areas, or places with poor public security, and avoid going out at night or traveling alone.” Chinese nationals were also urged to closely monitor official announcements and raise their safety awareness.