US President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles. He took this decision to control violent protests following immigration raids. The protests erupted in Latino neighborhoods after federal agents began arresting undocumented migrants.
ICE Raids Spark Protests in Paramount
On Saturday, protests continued for a second day in LA’s Paramount district. This area is home to a large Hispanic population. Clashes broke out between residents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Authorities used tear gas and batons to clear the crowd.
As a result of ICE operations this week, officers arrested 118 people. On Friday alone, they made 44 arrests.
White House Defends Raids and Military Response
The White House defended the federal response in a statement. It said, “In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents… That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen.”
According to the release, these deportation operations are “essential” to protect the country.
Homan Supervises Raids, Warns Protesters
Tom Homan, Trump’s border policy advisor, traveled to Los Angeles to oversee the ICE raids. He told Fox News, “We are making Los Angeles safer.” He also said, “We’re bringing in more resources as we speak. We gonna bring the National Guard in tonight. We gonna continue doing our job.”
Homan made it clear there would be “zero tolerance” for any destruction or violence.
Federal Agencies Issue Warnings
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino warned protesters on social media. He wrote, “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.”
At the same time, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that his department was “mobilising the National Guard IMMEDIATELY.” He also said that Marines at Camp Pendleton were on high alert in case the situation worsened.
LAPD Reports Calm in Most Parts
Despite the unrest in Paramount, the Los Angeles Police Department said most protests across the city remained peaceful on Saturday. The LAPD added, “We commend all those who exercised their First Amendment rights responsibly.”
However, officers near a Home Depot in Paramount continued firing tear gas and flash-bangs to push protesters back. Locals said many migrants were still hiding inside nearby businesses, afraid to step outside.
Newsom Condemns Federal Raids
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the ICE operations. In a Friday statement, he called the raids “reckless” and said they were driven by an “arbitrary arrest quota.”
On Saturday, Newsom had a 40-minute phone call with President Trump, though officials didn’t share details of the conversation.
Later, Newsom criticized the federal move to take control of the National Guard. He said, “It’s purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.” He added, “LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice.”
LA Mayor and Advocates Push Back
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also spoke out. She accused ICE of “sowing terror” in the city.
Federal officials warned that such statements endangered law enforcement personnel.
Angelica Salas, who leads the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, voiced concern at a recent rally. “Our community is under attack and is being terrorised,” she said. “These are workers. These are fathers. These are mothers. And this has to stop.”
Trump Hits Back at State Leaders
President Trump responded to the criticism on Truth Social. He wrote, “If [Newsom] and [Bass] can’t do their jobs, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
