National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests

‌ Updated June 08, 2025

The Trump ⁣governance is dispatching 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following recent clashes between federal immigration agents⁤ and⁣ demonstrators. The deployment aims to assist ‍with operations related to⁣ the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and⁢ address violence near locations where protests are occurring.

Troops began arriving in L.A. Saturday night,though the full complement’s arrival time remains unclear. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated on X ⁣that the Guard is being deployed to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. He added that active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton are on high alert should violence escalate.

Tom Homan, the⁢ Trump administration’s “border czar,” told Fox News the deployment seeks to​ address violence and destruction‍ near raid locations.He emphasized the administration’s commitment ‍to enforcing the law without apology.

California Gov. Gavin‌ Newsom criticized the move as “purposefully ⁢inflammatory,” arguing ⁢local law enforcement​ already⁣ addresses any needs. ⁢He stated that sending in troops‌ would “only escalate tensions.”

The National Guard deployment is authorized for 60 days, or at the discretion of the Secretary ⁢of​ Defense. Trump‌ invoked Title 10, a provision allowing the activation of National Guard troops for ‌federal service, to protect ICE and⁣ other federal personnel.

Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, said Trump has the authority under the Insurrection ‍Act of 1807 to federalize National Guard ⁣units to suppress insurrections or domestic ⁤violence that hinder law enforcement.

National Guard deployments ​have occurred in Los Angeles during times of⁤ civil unrest and natural disasters. Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School, noted past deployments were coordinated with California’s request.

Recent clashes between protesters and authorities ⁤prompted the decision, including a exhibition in Paramount‌ where protesters clashed ⁢with federal‍ agents near a Home Depot. The protest, which began peacefully,​ escalated into a confrontation with flash-bang grenades and ​thrown objects. Authorities declared it an ⁣unlawful assembly.

The Los ⁢Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported two arrests ​on ⁢suspicion of assaulting an officer, with one suspect allegedly throwing a‌ Molotov cocktail.Interim U.S.Attorney Bill essayli stated federal agents arrested more than a dozen people for impeding law enforcement⁤ operations.

“[T]here is currently no unmet need,” Newsom said.

What’s next

The National Guard is expected to assist federal law enforcement in Los Angeles for up to 60 days,possibly providing backup ​during immigration raids and protecting federal facilities. The situation remains⁢ fluid,with potential for further ‍adjustments ‍based on evolving circumstances and the⁢ Secretary of Defense’s⁤ assessment.