L.A. Immigration Protests Spark Clashes After Trump Deploys National Guard

The L.A. immigration protests have escalated dramatically after President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops into the city without Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent. The deployment, aimed at quelling unrest over recent immigration raids, has sparked sharp political backlash, fiery street clashes, and dozens of arrests.

Protesters shut down freeways, confronted federal forces, and demanded the troops withdraw. Newsom has threatened legal action, calling the move a violation of state sovereignty and accusing Trump of inciting further chaos.

Newsom Blasts Trump Over Unauthorized Military Deployment

Governor Newsom said the Trump administration bypassed protocol by deploying the National Guard without consulting him, despite a legal requirement to do so. During a live interview, Newsom accused the president of lying about the Guard’s deployment status and called Trump’s claims on social media “completely false.”

Newsom’s frustration grew when Trump’s former acting ICE director, Tom Homan, threatened to arrest state leaders obstructing immigration efforts. Newsom dared him to try: “He knows where to find me… Arrest me. Let’s go.”

Protests Surge Across Downtown L.A.

Over the weekend, thousands of protesters flooded downtown Los Angeles, blocking the 101 Freeway and setting fire to self-driving cars. Videos showed demonstrators confronting National Guard members and LAPD officers using flash-bangs, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

At least 56 protesters were arrested, including one individual accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail and another of driving a motorcycle into police. Officials declared parts of downtown an unlawful assembly zone.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged his department was overwhelmed, citing a group of repeat agitators known for escalating unrest.

National Guard Deployed Without State Consent

Roughly 300 National Guard members were deployed to protect federal buildings like the downtown detention center, which became a protest flashpoint. Another 500 Marines remain on standby.

The last time the federal government deployed National Guard troops without a governor’s consent was in 1965 during a civil rights march in Alabama.

Newsom urged Trump to withdraw the troops and mocked him for celebrating a deployment that hadn’t yet happened, calling him a “stone cold liar.” The White House rejected that claim, insisting the Guard was necessary due to escalating unrest.

Federal Arrests and Immigration Raids Spark Outrage

Friday’s immigration raids in locations like Home Depot parking lots and the Fashion District triggered the protests. Over 100 immigrants have reportedly been arrested. Protesters also gathered in Paramount and Compton after rumors of new raids spread.

Many leaders, including L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, said Trump’s move intensified tensions, not calmed them. “This is about another agenda,” she said. “This isn’t about public safety.”

Trump Defends “Strong Law and Order” Tactics

President Trump defended the move, invoking a legal clause allowing military deployment during rebellion. Speaking before boarding Air Force One, he promised “very strong law and order”, adding that troops would be deployed nationwide if necessary.

While the protests haven’t matched the size of past L.A. uprisings, such as the 2020 George Floyd demonstrations, the unauthorized deployment of military force has drawn swift backlash, fueling fears of federal overreach and political provocation.

Do you think deploying the National Guard without a governor’s consent sets a dangerous precedent? Why or why not?

More…

• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/l-immigration-protests-israel-gaza-aid-ship-morning-rundown-rcna211764
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/national-guard-faces-off-with-protesters-hours-after-arriving-in-los-angeles-on-trumps-orders
• https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cjrngy1p393t 
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/dhl-express-locks-out-workers-across-canada-amid-parcel-sector-turmoil