President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles following violent clashes over federal immigration raids targeting undocumented migrants.
Tensions escalated for a second day in the predominantly Latino Paramount district, where tear gas and flash bangs were used to disperse protesters confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Over 100 people were arrested during ICE operations this week, including 44 on Friday.
Trump administration officials defended the raids, with border chief Tom Homan stating, "We are making Los Angeles safer," and warning of "zero tolerance" for violence or property damage.
The White House accused California’s Democratic leadership of failing to protect citizens, prompting the federal response.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the National Guard mobilization and hinted at deploying active-duty Marines if violence continues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids as “reckless and cruel,” warning that federal troop deployment would only escalate tensions.
LA Mayor Karen Bass accused ICE of “sowing terror,” a claim federal agencies say puts their agents at risk.
Despite some ongoing unrest, the LAPD reported that Saturday’s citywide demonstrations remained largely peaceful.
