President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, overriding Governor Newsom’s authority as protestors set vehicles ablaze and vandalized federal buildings in response to ICE immigration raids.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump authorized 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid escalating protests over immigration raids, marking the first time in decades a state’s Guard was activated without the governor’s request.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as “illegal and immoral,” and is planning to sue the Trump administration, claiming it violates state sovereignty.
- Protests intensified with thousands blocking freeways, setting self-driving cars on fire, and vandalizing government buildings, resulting in dozens of arrests across California cities.
- Trump dismissed Newsom’s claims about wanting “civil war in the streets,” countering that civil unrest would actually result from policies like Newsom’s, not his own enforcement actions.
- Law enforcement has used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs to control crowds as the Pentagon additionally deployed 700 Marines to protect federal property in Los Angeles.
Trump Takes Decisive Action Against Lawlessness
President Trump’s administration has moved swiftly to restore order in Los Angeles, where protests against immigration enforcement have spiraled into dangerous civil unrest. The deployment authorization for 2,000 additional National Guard troops represents a significant federal intervention in a state that has repeatedly obstructed immigration enforcement through sanctuary policies. Despite vocal opposition from California’s Democratic leadership, Trump invoked federal authority under Section 12406, which allows for deployment in cases of rebellion or danger against U.S. government authority—a clear signal that the administration views the situation as a serious threat to public safety and federal authority.
The unprecedented nature of this deployment cannot be overstated. It marks the first time in decades that a state’s National Guard has been federalized without the governor’s request, highlighting the severity of the administration’s concerns about California’s unwillingness to maintain order. In addition to the National Guard, approximately 700 Marines have been deployed to protect federal property and personnel in Los Angeles, demonstrating the multi-faceted approach to addressing what has become an increasingly volatile situation in one of America’s largest cities.
Escalating Violence in California Streets
The protests that prompted federal intervention began after immigration authorities arrested over 40 individuals in Los Angeles. What started as demonstrations quickly evolved into something more destructive. Thousands of protestors blocked major freeways, bringing traffic to a standstill and creating chaos for commuters. In particularly disturbing developments, some demonstrators set self-driving cars on fire and engaged in extensive vandalism of government buildings. The Los Angeles Police Department headquarters and the U.S. Courthouse both sustained damage, underscoring the increasingly anti-government nature of these actions.
“No, it’s the opposite. I don’t want a civil war. Civil war would happen if you left it to people like him,” Said Donald Trump, responding directly to Governor Newsom’s accusations.
Law enforcement has been forced to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs to control increasingly unruly crowds. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported 39 arrests over the weekend, with the majority occurring on Saturday when the protests reached their peak intensity. The unrest wasn’t limited to Los Angeles—San Francisco police made 60 arrests during similar protests, with two officers sustaining injuries. These statistics paint a clear picture of widespread defiance toward federal immigration enforcement throughout California’s major urban centers.
Political Battle Between Trump and Newsom Intensifies
The deployment has ignited a fierce political confrontation between President Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom has been particularly vocal in his criticism, calling the move “disrespectful to our troops” and claiming, “This isn’t about public safety. It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego.” The governor’s rhetoric has escalated to threats of legal action, with California Attorney General Rob Bonta announcing a lawsuit against Trump’s use of the National Guard, claiming it violates state sovereignty. This legal challenge sets the stage for a significant constitutional showdown over federal versus state authority in immigration enforcement.
“We don’t take lightly to the president abusing his authority and unlawfully mobilizing California National Guard troops,” Said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has joined the chorus of Democratic opposition, claiming the situation was peaceful before immigration raids began—a statement that appears increasingly disconnected from reality as videos of burning vehicles and vandalized buildings circulate online. The California Values Act, which prevents local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration activities, exemplifies the state’s longstanding resistance to federal immigration enforcement. This sanctuary policy has created the perfect conditions for the current crisis by handcuffing local authorities from cooperating with federal officials to remove criminal illegal aliens from communities.
Legal Experts Weigh In On Federal Authority
Legal analysts have indicated that while Trump’s federalization of the National Guard falls within his constitutional powers, it represents a significant shift in federal-state relations. Conservative legal analyst Jonathan Turley has noted Trump’s clear authority under Section 12406 and the potential application of the Insurrection Act if conditions continue to deteriorate. This legal backing provides the administration with solid footing as it moves forward with restoring order in Los Angeles, despite the expected legal challenges from California officials.
“The mobilization of troops for domestic crowd control should remain the rarest of events and only in the most utterly extreme circumstances. The current protest in California against the ICE/federal immigration arrest spree is not one of those instances. The President’s action likely will be counter-productive and actually raise tensions, instead of gaining better control of the situation,” Said Michael McAuliffe, former federal prosecutor.
Not all California officials oppose the federal intervention. Republican Representative Kevin Kiley has voiced support for Trump’s actions, citing legitimate risks to public safety in Los Angeles. U.S. Attorney for Central California, Bill Essayli, has even mentioned the possibility of deploying additional troops if necessary. This division among California’s political leadership highlights the partisan nature of the immigration enforcement debate, with Republicans generally supporting strong enforcement measures while Democrats continue to prioritize policies that shield illegal immigrants from deportation—even those who have committed serious crimes.
A Nation Divided Over Immigration Enforcement
The escalating situation in Los Angeles serves as a microcosm of the larger national debate over immigration enforcement. President Trump’s decisive action to restore order in the face of violent protests demonstrates his commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting federal authority. Meanwhile, California’s Democratic leadership continues to obstruct these efforts, prioritizing illegal immigrants over the safety and security of American citizens. As federal troops arrive in Los Angeles, the nation watches closely to see whether law and order will prevail over the chaos that has engulfed California’s streets.
With tensions running high and no immediate resolution in sight, the political and legal battle between Trump and Newsom exemplifies the deep divisions in American society over immigration policy. The outcome of this confrontation will likely have significant implications for federal-state relations and the future of immigration enforcement across the country. What remains clear is that President Trump remains steadfast in his commitment to enforcing the nation’s immigration laws, regardless of the political obstacles placed in his path by sanctuary state policies and their defenders.
