Over the weekend, protests across Los Angeles against ICE immigration raids escalated into violence, prompting President Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops under federal authority—despite neither Governor Gavin Newsom nor LA Mayor Karen Bass requesting their deployment. Demonstrators blocked highways, set property—including Waymo self-driving cars—ablaze, and clashed with police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs. According to the LAPD, 39 individuals were arrested over the weekend, with local law enforcement declaring parts of downtown an unlawful assembly. Both Newsom and Bass denounced the federal intervention as “inflammatory” and “unnecessary,” issuing legal challenges citing violations of state sovereignty and California’s sanctuary laws.
Federal officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump, defended the action, stating the deployment was necessary due to local authorities’ failure to respond promptly to violent outbreaks. The move marked the first use of National Guard forces in Los Angeles over the governor’s objection since 1965, intensifying a broader standoff between federal power and California's political leadership. Critics—including the ACLU and state officials—warn that such militarization risks escalating tensions and undermining civil rights, particularly as protests spread to cities like San Francisco.
Turner, Austin, and Dean Fioresi. “Trump Deploys National Guard to Los Angeles Amid Violent ICE Protests.” CBS News, updated 9 June 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/c...ests-trump/.
