The Trump administration has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following protests sparked by aggressive immigration raids. Tensions escalated after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested at least 44 individuals in operations across the city, including near Home Depot stores and local factories.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned the Pentagon may mobilize active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton if violence continues. Video footage showed federal agents clashing with protesters in Paramount, where Mexican flags were waved, gas canisters deployed, and multiple detentions occurred. Los Angeles police confirmed arrests for failure to disperse, while DHS labeled the protests as involving "1,000 rioters."
President Trump stated the National Guard was sent to curb "lawlessness," accusing local leaders of inaction. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the deployment “inflammatory,” urging peaceful resistance and criticizing the federal response as “deranged behavior.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, stating they instill fear and erode community trust.
Vice President JD Vance and senior adviser Stephen Miller labeled the demonstrations a “violent insurrection,” though the Insurrection Act has not been invoked. The administration’s immigration crackdown targets 3,000 daily ICE arrests, but critics claim it’s ensnaring legal residents and causing civil rights concerns.
Activist Ron Gochez vowed continued resistance, declaring, “They cannot kidnap our people without fierce opposition.” Meanwhile, immigration advocates like Angelica Salas expressed alarm over lack of legal access to detainees, warning of rights violations.
The crackdown pits Trump’s immigration agenda against Democratic-led California, where a large immigrant population is calling for protection and justice. ICE, DHS, and LAPD declined comment on whether raids continued into Saturday. As federal agents flood city streets, the nation watches closely.