National‌ Guard Trained to Detain​ Civilians Amid ‌los Angeles ‌Protests

⁤ Updated June 12, 2025

National Guard troops ‌deployed to Los Angeles ​amid⁣ protests against President Trump’s immigration⁢ policies have ​received training to temporarily detain​ civilians, according to Major General Scott sherman. Though, Sherman ‍clarified Wednesday that no protesters have ⁣been detained.

the deployment follows demonstrations sparked by Trump’s push for mass deportations,which⁣ targeted businesses in Southern California. Protests erupted Friday, leading ⁤Trump ‌to deploy the military and denounce what he termed ⁢”third-world lawlessness.” The unrest has since spread beyond Los angeles.

Sherman told reporters Wednesday that authorities anticipate increased national unrest. He noted that 500 of the 4,000 National Guard members in Los Angeles are trained⁢ to ​assist immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in⁣ immigration​ raids. The decision to⁢ deploy the National​ Guard without Governor‍ Gavin Newsom’s permission has drawn criticism.

Adding‌ to the⁢ military presence, nearly ‌700 Marines have been sent to ⁣the Los Angeles area since Sunday.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen ⁣bass accused the Trump governance of ⁤escalating tensions by deploying the military. She argued the actions are intended to incite fear, not ensure⁤ safety.

“But when ⁢you raid Home Depots ⁢and workplaces, when ‍you tear parents and children apart,⁤ and⁢ when you run armoured caravans ⁤thru our streets, ‍you are not trying to keep anyone⁤ safe.‌ You’re trying to cause fear and panic,” Bass said.

Newsom filed ‍an emergency⁢ motion Tuesday to limit ​the military’s presence to federal buildings,⁤ with⁣ a⁢ court hearing scheduled⁣ for Thursday. ⁤Both Bass and newsom ‌maintain that local law enforcement‌ could​ manage the situation before federal intervention,arguing that the military presence has fueled ‍further unrest.

Speaking alongside other California leaders, Bass questioned whether Trump is testing the limits of his ‍presidential power. ⁤”This was provoked by the White House,” Bass said,suggesting a ‌possible “national ⁣experiment” to usurp power from ⁤state and local jurisdictions.

Trump ‌maintains the deployment is necessary to protect federal property⁤ and agents, asserting his executive authority. He has not invoked the Insurrection Act of 1807, which would‍ allow the military to directly participate in domestic law enforcement.

White House​ spokesperson⁤ Karoline Leavitt​ echoed Trump’s claims that the military​ presence​ prevented chaos in Los Angeles. She accused Bass and ⁢Newsom of failing​ their citizens and using “a violent mob as a weapon” against immigration law enforcement.

What’s next

The legal‍ challenge to Trump’s military deployment will be ​heard Thursday, while protests and immigration raids continue to shape the landscape in Los Angeles ⁣and beyond.The debate over ‌federal authority ‌and immigration policy remains at ‍the forefront.