National Guard Mobilizes in Los Angeles Amidst Immigration Protests
The United States government has announced the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles following a wave of protests that erupted after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted several raids, resulting in 44 arrests. This decision came after President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to deploy the National Guard to restore order in the city, which officials described as having been allowed to devolve into chaos.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, "If California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cannot put an end to the protests, the federal government must act." President Trump reinforced this message on Truth Social, asserting that if local officials were unable to manage the situation, the federal response was necessary.
Trump stated, "If Governor Gavin Newsom of California and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles cannot do their job—something everyone knows they cannot—then the federal government will intervene to resolve the problem of the riots and looting as it should be."
Tom Homan, the appointed border czar managing immigration issues, echoed the administration's stance in an interview with Fox News, where he confirmed that the troops were being mobilized to counter the protests and enforce the law: "We are going to bring the National Guard tonight."
The protests began in response to the ICE raids, with demonstrators surrounding the detention center where those arrested were held. The backlash against the federal actions grew as some critics, including Governor Newsom, condemned the raids. Newsom described the ongoing federal operations as "reckless and cruel," aimed merely at meeting an arbitrary arrest quota.
On Saturday, the protests intensified in Paramount, where more than 50 federal vehicles were involved in a migration operation at a local business. Community members and activists attempted to intervene, leading to a violent clash where law enforcement used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds. Multiple injuries were reported among demonstrators, with accounts of rubber bullets and other projectiles being used by authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security expressed their concerns regarding the protests, which resulted in acts of vandalism against federal properties following the first day of ICE operations in multiple locations throughout Los Angeles.
President Trump pointed fingers at the 'radical left' for instigating the protests and unrest in Los Angeles, which has now seen three days of escalating clashes. On Truth Social, he declared, "These Radical Left protests, instigated by often paid agitators, will not be tolerated... Once again, thanks to the National Guard for a job well done." He further criticized both Governor Newsom, whom he derogatorily referred to as 'Newscum,' and Mayor Bass for their handling of local issues, including wildfires.
In contrast, Mayor Bass raised her doubts regarding the necessity of deploying 2,000 National Guard members. She expressed confidence in the ability of the Los Angeles Police Department and local law enforcement to maintain order without the federal intervention. "I don’t think it's necessary because I trust that the Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement in Los Angeles can handle things in Los Angeles," she stated during an interview.
As tensions continue to rise in Los Angeles, the situation remains fluid, with local authorities and federal response teams on high alert. The mobilization of the National Guard marks a significant escalation in the government's approach to handling civil unrest related to immigration policies.
Related Sources: