Following unrest in Los Angeles stemming from ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants, President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guardsmen. The President declared federal intervention necessary to resolve the situation, citing two days of clashes between protesters and federal agents.
Earlier, confrontations between residents of the predominantly Latino Paramount district and ICE agents resulted in tear gas deployment to disperse crowds. This week’s ICE operations in LA led to approximately 118 arrests, including 44 on Friday alone. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids as “cruel”.
While Trump initially expressed gratitude for the National Guard’s efforts, their arrival in Los Angeles was delayed. A federal official later confirmed to the New York Times that deployment would occur within 24 hours.
The President criticized the city’s Democratic governor and mayor on Truth Social, deeming them “incompetent” and prohibiting protesters from wearing masks. Newsom countered that the federal government’s action was “purposefully inflammatory” and escalatory.
Typically under state governor jurisdiction, Trump invoked a provision enabling federal control of the National Guard. Trump previously lambasted Newsom on social media, asserting that if state and city officials failed to act, the federal government would “step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth further threatened deployment of active-duty marines from Camp Pendleton if violence persisted, a move Newsom labeled as “deranged behavior”. While the Paramount district calmed on Saturday evening, sporadic clashes continued.
Protests centered around a Home Depot, where tear gas and smoke filled the air. Law enforcement used flash bangs and tear gas to disperse protesters, while reports emerged of migrants sheltering in local businesses. Paramount’s population is over 80% Hispanic. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) reported minor injuries to two deputies, several detentions, one arrest, a mall fire, and property damage.
Further protests are anticipated. A White House release condemned attacks on ICE and federal agents during deportation operations, blaming California’s leadership for failing to protect citizens. Trump’s “border tsar,” Tom Homan, warned of “zero tolerance” for violence or property damage.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino issued a similar warning on X. Governor Newsom urged against violence, criticizing the federal government’s actions as a calculated provocation. Mayor Bass previously accused ICE agents of “sowing terror”. Angelica Salas of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights described the situation as an attack terrorizing workers and families.
The US president says Musk has been “very disrespectful” and he has no interest in mending ties with the tech billionaire.
Salvadoran Kilmar Ábrego García, whose case became a political flashpoint, has been charged with human trafficking by US officials.
The “Devil in the Ozarks” escaped on 25 May by wearing a disguise meant to “mimic law enforcement”.
The global celebration of the LGBT culture takes place near the White House after big shifts in US policy under Trump.
Muhammed Hafeez lived a double life, rubbing shoulders with UK royals while also controlling a drugs empire.