Trump Deploys 2,000 National Guard Troops Amid LA Immigration Uproar
LOS ANGELES – The Trump administration has dispatched the California National Guard in reaction to intense protests erupting across Los Angeles, sparked by immigration enforcement actions that turned confrontational, according to a White House statement.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump signed a directive to send 2,000 National Guardsmen into California, aiming to combat what the administration calls escalating disorder tied to backlash against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed.
"California's Democratic leadership has failed to shield its residents from chaos," said Leavitt. "That’s why the President has ordered a deployment of 2,000 Guardsmen to stop the growing unrest."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the urgency online, announcing the Defense Department was activating the National Guard immediately to bolster federal forces in LA. He warned that if tensions continue, Marines at Camp Pendleton—already on high alert—could also be sent in.
In response, Governor Gavin Newsom accused the federal government of trying to seize control of the state’s military resources, labeling the move provocative and likely to escalate hostilities.
"Los Angeles has the tools and coordination it needs," Newsom argued. "There's no current shortage of support, and federal interference isn’t helping."
That evening, Trump stated via social media that if California’s officials “refuse to act,” then **Washington will take over and resolve it.”
Paramount Becomes Flashpoint as Protests Erupt
Saturday’s biggest demonstrations unfolded in Paramount, following rumors of an immigration raid in the city. But Mayor Peggy Lemons clarified that the federal agents were merely preparing, not conducting active raids.
The unrest followed Friday’s ICE crackdowns, where agents stormed multiple businesses in LA’s fashion district. The ACLU of Southern California reported that hundreds—including minors—were detained at the Edward Roybal Federal Building.
Angry crowds surrounded the building by Friday afternoon, sparking intense face-offs with authorities. Saturday's footage showed Border Patrol agents monitoring a large group of protesters across the street, with smoke projectiles seen in the area.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks later stated that several individuals were arrested for allegedly assaulting federal officers.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added that investigators are tracking those responsible for hurling rocks at official vehicles.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stood firm, insisting federal operations would carry on and issuing a stark warning:
“Anyone interfering with agents will be detained and prosecuted.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said its officers arrived at Paramount Boulevard to handle traffic and crowd control, stressing they had no role in ICE operations.
“We don’t engage in immigration enforcement or mass deportations,” the department emphasized. “We’re here to ensure the public’s safety and uphold peaceful protest rights.”
Blame Game Intensifies Between Local and Federal Officials
As the situation escalated, tensions boiled over between local leaders and federal authorities.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons lashed out at LA Mayor Karen Bass and the LAPD, accusing them of delaying action as rioters attacked federal officers.
“Friday night’s events were disgraceful,” Lyons said. “While ICE agents tried to arrest dangerous criminals, Mayor Bass sided with mob rule instead of law enforcement.”
Lyons added that agents were targeting individuals involved in serious crimes, including drug trafficking, assault, child abuse, and gang activity.
The LAPD, however, challenged those claims, saying they responded as fast as conditions allowed and were delayed in part because federal agents deployed chemical irritants before LAPD arrived.
“Our response began within 55 minutes of the first call,” LAPD said. “Federal action created hazardous conditions that slowed our ability to safely intervene.”
Mayor Karen Bass strongly criticized the ICE actions, calling them reckless and disruptive to her city’s immigrant communities.
“Los Angeles is a city built by immigrants,” she said. “These operations generate fear, not safety. We’re standing with the immigrant rights advocates in rejecting these tactics.”
According to KABC, Bass said neither her office nor the LAPD had any prior notice of the federal raids.
Crowds kept growing Friday near the federal detention center, where protesters were seen blocking vans, throwing objects, and confronting officers. Shortly after 7 p.m., the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly, ordering demonstrators to leave or face arrest.
“A small group began throwing chunks of concrete,” LAPD said via social media. “Less-lethal options were authorized to disperse the crowd.”
The Department of Homeland Security didn’t hold back in its reaction either.
“Let’s be clear—ICE isn’t terrorizing communities,” DHS said. “That blame falls on Mayor Bass and the protesters she encouraged.”
Description:
"Discover why President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following mass immigration protests. Get the latest updates on ICE raids, escalating tensions between federal and local officials, and the ongoing response from law enforcement and community leaders."