U.S. President Donald Trump deployed active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. He issued a stern warning to protesters opposing immigration arrests, saying they would be “hit harder” than ever before.
Military Presence Expands in LA
Around 700 regular troops will join thousands of National Guard members already stationed in the city. This large-scale military presence is expected to raise tensions in Los Angeles, especially in areas with a strong Latino population.
Governor Newsom Slams Trump’s Move
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly criticized the president’s decision. He called the move “deranged” in a post on X.
“US Marines have served honourably across multiple wars in defence of democracy,” Newsom wrote. “They shouldn’t be deployed on American soil facing their own countrymen to fulfil the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial President. This is un-American.”
Violence Escalated in Downtown LA
The deployment followed violent scenes on Sunday in Downtown Los Angeles. Protesters set vehicles on fire and looted shops. In response, police used rubber bullets and tear gas to control the crowd.
Trump Defends His Actions
Speaking in Washington, Trump said, “The people causing the problems are professional agitators and insurrectionists.”
On social media, he added that he had sent National Guard troops “to deal with the violent, instigated riots” and claimed that “if we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”
Trump also accused some protesters of spitting on troops. “I promise you they will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before. Such disrespect will not be tolerated!” he warned.
Locals Have Mixed Reactions
Some local residents supported the crackdown. One small business owner, whose shop was vandalized, told AFP, “I think it’s needed to stop the vandalism.”
She added, “Everybody has the right to protest, but do it the right way. Don’t vandalise or hurt your own town because you’re hurting people who are trying to make a living.”
