Following four days of widespread protests against immigration raids, the Trump administration deployed thousands of additional troops to Los Angeles. This escalation saw 700 US Marines join 4,000 National Guard troops already mobilized, a doubling of the initial contingent.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the action, calling it the fulfillment of “a deranged dictatorial fantasy,” and filed suit against the president for deploying troops without his consent. This marks the first instance since 1965 of a president deploying National Guard troops to a US city without gubernatorial approval; the military’s domestic law enforcement role is highly unusual.
Mexico’s foreign affairs office reported the deportation of at least four Mexican nationals detained in LA since Friday. While the Trump administration hasn’t invoked the Insurrection Act, allowing direct military involvement in civilian policing, the LA County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, stated the deployment was unnecessary, noting that only a small fraction of the population participated in the protests, and an even smaller number engaged in illegal activity.
Hochman detailed incidents of violence, including attacks on police, vandalism, and the destruction of property. The 700 Marines, from Twentynine Palms, California, will primarily protect federal property and personnel, including immigration agents. In downtown LA, police used stun grenades and gas to disperse protestors outside a federal detention center, while the National Guard formed a perimeter.
The LAPD reported arrests and the use of less-lethal munitions. US Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly identified Elpidio Reyna, accused of assaulting federal agents, and announced his addition to the “Most Wanted” list. Similar protests occurred in at least nine other cities.
The initial LA protests, triggered by ICE raids, escalated into looting, arson, and attacks on law enforcement. The LAPD reported numerous arrests on charges ranging from attempted murder to assault and looting. President Trump defended his actions, claiming the deployment prevented the city from “burning down.”
A recent CBS News/YouGov poll showed significant public support for Trump’s deportation and immigration policies. Trump also called for Newsom’s arrest, accusing him of obstruction; Newsom responded by characterizing the troop deployment as a step towards authoritarianism. Trump issued a strong warning against protesters, threatening harsh consequences for any aggression towards law enforcement.
LA Mayor Karen Bass echoed local officials’ concerns, viewing the troop deployment as an attempt to create chaos. She also noted several ICE raids on Monday, including one near her grandson’s school. Newsom’s lawsuit challenging the deployment argues it violates the Constitution and California’s sovereignty. Trump has justified his actions by citing the previous administration’s immigration policies and pledged increased deportations.
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