President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles as anti-ICE protests escalated into violence, exposing deep rifts between federal authority and California’s leadership.
At a Glance
- President Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to counter violent anti-ICE protests
- Protesters waved Mexican flags while burning American cars and attacking ICE agents
- California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass criticized the deployment
- At least 56 protesters were arrested as law enforcement declared an unlawful assembly
- Trump’s border officials warned local leaders could face legal consequences for obstructing federal law
Chaos on California Streets
Los Angeles descended into chaos this week as demonstrators protesting immigration enforcement blocked highways, burned vehicles, and clashed with ICE agents. The 101 Freeway was shut down by crowds waving foreign flags, including the Mexican tricolor, while Waymo autonomous cars were set ablaze in downtown streets.
Facing what he called a “migrant invasion,” President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops. Over 300 troops are already on the ground, with 500 Marines standing by. His administration also emphasized that federal agents will continue deportation operations—regardless of local interference.
Watch a report: Trump Sends Troops to Restore Order in LA.
Political Blowback and Public Safety
Democratic leaders quickly condemned the federal response. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has long championed sanctuary policies, responded to threats of legal action by Trump’s border team with open mockery, saying, “Tom, arrest me. Let’s go.” LA Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the operation, stating she was “deeply angered” by the federal crackdown in a city she described as “a proud city of immigrants.”
Bass delayed LAPD assistance to ICE agents, leaving federal officers to fend off attacks. Meanwhile, Newsom announced plans to sue the Trump administration over the National Guard deployment—despite videos showing burning vehicles and law enforcement under assault.
Trump’s Zero Tolerance Message
President Trump doubled down on his decision, calling the unrest “organized lawlessness” and declaring that officials who obstruct immigration enforcement may face arrest. “These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED,” Trump warned.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the National Guard troops are properly trained for crowd control and authorized to support federal operations as needed. Trump made it clear: immigration laws will be enforced regardless of local political resistance.
A National Crossroads
This isn’t just a local riot—it’s a national turning point. Protesters openly waved foreign flags while attacking American law enforcement, a move that visibly rattled federal officials. The White House has framed the unrest as the predictable outcome of lenient border policies and sanctuary city protections.
“You’re going to see some very strong law and order,” Trump assured the public. As National Guard troops continue to “stablize” the city, the broader question looms: will the federal government or local officials control America’s cities—and its borders?
