On Sunday, troops from the California National Guard arrived in Los Angeles. Their mission was to suppress protests triggered by President Donald Trump‘s immigration enforcement campaign. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, called the deployment illegal.
The National Guard entered the city as demonstrations continued for a third day. Clashes between protesters and police erupted across Los Angeles.
Police Declare Unlawful Assembly Near City Hall
One protest near Los Angeles City Hall was declared an “unlawful assembly” by the Los Angeles Police Department. Officers said protesters had thrown concrete, bottles, and other objects at them. 
The LAPD posted on social media that arrests had begun. Video footage showed protesters yelling “shame on you” at officers. Some were seen throwing objects. A group also blocked the U.S. Route 101, a major freeway through downtown.
Protesters Rally Citywide With Mexican Flags
Demonstrations took place at multiple locations. Many protesters waved Mexican flags and held signs opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE.
Outside City Hall, the Party for Socialism and Liberation organized an afternoon rally. Speakers denounced immigration raids and federal policies.
Governor Newsom Denounces Federal Action
Governor Newsom said he had asked the Trump administration to withdraw the order deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County. He called the move a violation of state authority.
Newsom accused Trump of creating a crisis to justify federal intervention. “These are the acts of a dictator, not a President,” he posted on X.
The White House disagreed. It released a statement describing the situation as chaotic and violent.
Guard and DHS Personnel Push Back Protesters
Outside a federal building in downtown L.A., a dozen Guard troops and Department of Homeland Security personnel confronted a group of protesters. Video showed authorities pushing the crowd back.
According to United States Northern Command, 300 National Guard members were sent to three areas of Los Angeles. Their task was to protect federal workers and buildings.
Trump posted on social media, calling the demonstrators “violent, insurrectionist mobs.” He directed his cabinet to take all necessary actions to stop what he described as “riots.”
Trump Issues Threats and Justifies Force
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump threatened to retaliate against protesters who spit on officers or troops. “They spit, we hit,” he said. He gave no details or specific examples.
“If we see danger to our country or our citizens, the response will be very strong,” Trump said.
Weekend Confrontations in Paramount and Downtown
On Saturday, National Guard troops were seen in Paramount, California, near a Home Depot. The location was the scene of earlier confrontations between police and demonstrators.
Federal officers used tear gas to break up crowds. Around 100 protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles. A few hundred more were seen in Paramount. This information came from Reuters reporters.
Authorities arrested about 30 people on Saturday. Three were suspected of assaulting police officers. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that three deputies received minor injuries.
FBI Offers Reward After Violence Against Police
The Federal Bureau of Investigation offered a $50,000 reward. The agency is seeking a suspect who allegedly threw rocks at police vehicles in Paramount, injuring a federal officer.
Despite Trump’s sharp rhetoric, he has not invoked the Insurrection Act. The law, passed in 1807, allows the President to deploy the military to suppress civil unrest.
When asked if he might use the act, Trump replied, “It depends on whether or not there’s an insurrection.”
Tensions Between Federal and Local Governments
The protests reflect deep divisions between the Republican-led White House and Democratic-run Los Angeles. Census data shows that many L.A. residents are Hispanic or foreign-born.
Pentagon on Standby With Marines on High Alert
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon is ready to send active-duty troops if violence continues. Marines at Camp Pendleton, a nearby base, are on high alert.
Local Leaders and Advocates Respond
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Trump created unnecessary chaos by sending in the Guard. She also criticized violent protesters. “I don’t want people to fall into chaos being stoked by the administration,” she said.
Vanessa Cárdenas, head of America’s Voice, accused the Trump administration of abusing power. She said it was provoking confrontation to justify federal crackdowns.
Immigration Raids Prompt Legal and Political Backlash
On Friday, ICE arrested at least 44 people in Los Angeles for alleged immigration violations. DHS later released details on their reported criminal histories.
Trump has promised to deport large numbers of undocumented immigrants. He set a goal for ICE to detain 3,000 people per day. But critics say these raids also target legal residents and permanent residents, leading to court challenges.
Mexican President Condemns U.S. Enforcement Tactics
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. response. Speaking at a public event, she said, “We do not agree with this way of addressing the immigration issue.”
Sheinbaum has tried to maintain a good relationship with Trump. But she argued that raids and military deployments would not solve the problem. “The solution lies in comprehensive reform and cooperation, not violence,” she said.
Legal Questions Surround Trump’s Troop Deployment
Trump defended the deployment using Title 10 of the United States Code. This law allows the federal government to mobilize National Guard units. But it also states that such orders must go through the governors of the states.
It remains unclear whether Trump has the authority to bypass Newsom and deploy troops directly.
Title 10 allows troop deployment in the event of “a rebellion or danger of rebellion” against the government. The law also limits the role of troops. They cannot perform routine police functions.
Trump’s memo said the Guard would protect ICE agents and federal property. These deployments would take place in areas where protests are happening—or where officials believe they might occur.
