PRESIDENT Donald Trump has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles as federal immigration raids erupted into chaos.
The move follows several days of tense confrontations between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and protesters in an explosive showdown over immigration enforcement.
APLaw enforcement stand during a protest in Compton, California[/caption]
AFPA demonstrator waves a Mexican national flag next to a car on fire during a protest following federal immigration operations in Los Angeles[/caption]
AFPLaw enforcement clashes with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialProtesters demonstrating against operations conducted by federal immigration authorities clash with law enforcement officials in Compton[/caption]
The President’s immigration chief, Tom Homan, confirmed the deployment Saturday evening on Fox News.
“We are going to bring the National Guard in tonight,” he said.
“We are making Los Angeles safer.
“Mayor (Karen) Bass should be thanking us.”
The dramatic escalation came after demonstrators hurled flaming projectiles, set cars ablaze, and swarmed federal vehicles in response to ICE raids targeting undocumented migrants.
The confrontations mainly took place in the predominantly Latino suburb of Paramount.
The area, which is over 80 per cent Hispanic, has become a flashpoint for opposition to the raids.
Tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and “less lethal” munitions were used to disperse crowds, particularly outside a Home Depot in Paramount, where agents had established a staging area.
According to Homeland Security officials, 118 undocumented individuals have been arrested in Los Angeles this week, including 44 on Friday.
Federal authorities claim the arrests include gang members and individuals considered national security risks.
A White House press release described the demonstrations as violent and accused California officials of failing to maintain order.
“These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States,” the statement read.
“That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the move, accusing the federal government of inflaming tensions.
He warned on social media: “This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
But Trump fired back on Truth Social, writing: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs… then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
Newsom and Trump reportedly spoke for 40 minutes by phone on Saturday, though details of their conversation have not been disclosed.
Shutterstock EditorialMembers of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in Compton[/caption]
APA demonstrator waves an American and Mexican flag[/caption]
APA car burns during a protest in Compton[/caption]
AFPA car burns during a protest following federal immigration operations, in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles[/caption]
ReutersU.S. President Donald Trump attends the UFC-316 in Newark, NJ[/caption]
That same evening, Trump attended the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 316 event in Newark, New Jersey.
Under the federal law, the President can deploy the National Guard for missions including the suppression of rebellion.
Critics argue that such actions, particularly in local jurisdictions, risk escalating tensions rather than calming them.
Mayor Karen Bass also denounced the raids, saying: “These tactics sow terror in our communities.”
Her remarks were sharply rebuked by ICE and DHS officials.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said: “Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement.”
The Department of Homeland Security accused some Democratic officials of inciting violence against agents, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating: “This violence against ICE must end.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that “active duty Marines” are also on “high alert”, ready to mobilize from Camp Pendleton if the violence continues.
Threatening to send in the Marines, Hegseth wrote on X: “The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil… and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK.”
APProtesters kick the side of a Border Patrol vehicle during a demonstration over the dozens detained in an operation by federal immigration authorities in Paramount[/caption]
APBorder Patrol personnel deploy tear gas during a demonstration[/caption]
APProtesters confront law enforcement agents outside an industrial park in Paramount[/caption]
The Mega AgencyA protester holds a sign after an ICE raid in Paramount[/caption]
By Saturday night, the Los Angeles Police Department said that most demonstrations had remained peaceful.
“We commend all those who exercised their First Amendment rights responsibly,” the LAPD said in a statement.
The department added that it remained “fully prepared” to respond to any civil unrest.
Despite some calm returning to Paramount, federal law enforcement officers continued to maintain a heavy presence in the area.
Flash bangs and tear gas were still being deployed periodically outside the Home Depot site, and witnesses reported migrants sheltering inside nearby businesses, afraid to leave.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino addressed protesters on X, saying: “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.”
He confirmed that “multiple arrests” had been made for “obstructing operations.”
Speaking from Los Angeles, immigration chief Homan stressed that ICE operations would continue.
He said: “We’re bringing in more resources as we speak.
“We’re going to continue doing our job.”
He also warned of “zero tolerance” for violence or damage to property.
APLos Angeles County Sheriffs stand during a protest in Compton near a burned down vehicle[/caption]
APA protester places debris in a fire as Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stand guard outside an industrial park in Paramount[/caption]
APA law enforcement officer works to put out a fire during a protest in Compton[/caption]
APDemonstrators shout and film at police during a protest in Paramount[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
