Ongoing immigration protests in Los Angeles have triggered a surge of tension, prompting President Trump to deploy the National Guard, a move California Governor Gavin Newsom vehemently opposes. The immigration protests, fueled by federal immigration enforcement actions, have led to clashes and arrests, escalating the already volatile situation. law enforcement has declared unlawful assembly, authorizing less-lethal munitions.ICE’s actions and the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops are at the heart of the unrest. News directory 3 is closely following these developments. With further protests anticipated and daily immigration enforcement expected, the situation remains fluid. Discover what’s next as the conflict unfolds, impacting local communities and sparking debate.
National Guard Deployed Amid Los Angeles Immigration Protests
Days of demonstrations in Los Angeles continue in response to federal immigration sweeps, igniting a dispute between California and the federal government. The immigration protests prompted President Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops, a move Gov. Gavin Newsom called inflammatory.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles police Department declared an unlawful assembly near Alameda and Temple, authorizing less-lethal munitions after officers were struck by projectiles. The immigration enforcement actions by ICE led to the arrest of 118 immigrants, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Demonstrations, while largely peaceful, have seen clashes, with authorities deploying non-lethal ammunition.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons stated that over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal building for two hours. The LAPD said federal agents’ irritants created a hazardous environment for officers. Rep. Nanette Barragán said the protests stemmed from fears of ICE targeting day laborers. The Los Angeles county Sheriff’s Department reported protesters throwing objects and behaving violently.
Eight U.S. citizens were arrested in paramount, facing federal obstruction charges. Barragán said she was told to expect 30 days of ICE enforcement, adding, “there’s a way to do targeted ICE enforcement…when you’re going after criminals. And that is not what’s happening.”
Trump’s Border czar Tom Homan said immigration enforcement would continue daily in Los Angeles.An ICE spokesperson disputed claims of peaceful protests, stating rioters would be arrested. Defense secretary Pete Hegseth suggested mobilizing Marines at Camp Pendleton if violence persisted, a suggestion Newsom called “deranged.” House Speaker Mike Johnson said mobilizing Marines might have a deterrent effect, while Sens. Ron Johnson and James Lankford downplayed the likelihood of their involvement in local law enforcement.
Mayor Karen Bass called the National Guard deployment a ”chaotic” escalation. “The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real…it puts our neighborhoods at risk,” she said, urging peaceful protest. Barragán added, ”We haven’t asked for the help. We don’t need the help. This is [Trump] escalating it, causing tensions to rise.” The National Guard deployment adds another layer to the already tense situation.
Gov. Gavin newsom said the deployment was “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.”
What’s next
The situation remains fluid, with continued federal immigration enforcement expected and the potential for further protests.The response from local and federal officials will be closely watched as the situation unfolds.
