President Donald Trump has sent 2,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles to crack down on protests against federal immigration raids — overriding California’s governor and escalating tensions in the state’s largest city.
The rare move puts the federal government in direct control of California’s state military forces, something not seen in decades. Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the decision, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and warning it “will only escalate tensions.”
For two days, angry crowds have clashed with federal agents after dozens of migrants were arrested in high-profile workplace raids across Los Angeles — a city with one of the country’s largest Latino populations. Protesters lit fires, launched fireworks, and faced tear gas and flash-bangs in the streets.
“It’s up to us to stand up for our people,” said one protester, who did not give her name. “Whether we get hurt, whether they gas us, whatever they’re throwing at us. They’re never going to stop us. All we have left is our voice.”
A burned-out car tagged with anti-ICE graffiti stood as a symbol of the unrest, while one demonstrator waved a Mexican flag amid the chaos.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump ordered the National Guard to respond to “lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,” blaming California’s “feckless” Democratic leadership.
“The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs,” Leavitt said.
On Saturday night, Trump posted on Truth Social to congratulate the National Guard for “a job well done,” and mocked California leaders for being “unable to handle the task.” He compared the protests to the wildfires that devastated LA earlier this year.
Trump’s Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, went a step further — threatening to call in the Marines if the violence doesn’t stop. “If violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert,” he posted.
Legal experts, however, questioned the threat. “The National Guard will be able to do [no] more than provide logistical [and] personnel support,” said law professor Jessica Levinson, pointing out that U.S. law generally blocks the use of active-duty military for domestic policing unless there’s a full-blown insurrection.
But Trump has made it clear he wants to crush what he calls “monsters” and “animals” — his words for undocumented migrants and those who support them.
Despite the crackdown, protests have not stopped. Demonstrators targeted a federal facility believed to be used as a staging post by ICE. Clashes with masked and armed agents continued through the weekend.
Fernando Delgado, 24, watched one of the raids. “We’re Spanish, we help the community, we help by doing the labor that people don’t want to do,” he said. “Those detained were human beings just like any.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged that residents are scared. “Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable,” she said.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed arrests were made during the protests. “Law and order will prevail,” he declared.
