LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2025 — The Trump administration has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following days of escalating protests sparked by intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants. The decision, made without a formal request from state or local officials, has drawn sharp criticism from California leaders who argue the move is politically motivated and exacerbates tensions in immigrant communities.
The protests began on June 6 after ICE conducted a series of coordinated raids across Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of at least 44 individuals. Operations targeted multiple locations, including a clothing warehouse, Home Depot parking lots, and a doughnut shop. Demonstrations erupted in response, leading to confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.
By June 7, the unrest had intensified, with protesters clashing with federal forces in areas such as Paramount and Compton. Reports indicate that demonstrators blocked streets with shopping carts and other objects, prompting federal agents to deploy flash bangs and pepper balls, resulting in injuries on both sides. The Los Angeles Police Department issued dispersal orders and authorized the use of less-lethal munitions to manage the crowds.
In response to the escalating situation, President Donald Trump federalized the California National Guard, deploying 2,000 troops to Los Angeles County to quell the protests. This move marks the first such federalization without a governor’s consent in 60 years. Trump invoked a specific section of U.S. code allowing federal activation of state troops during cases of domestic rebellion or foreign invasion, without invoking the Insurrection Act.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal deployment as “purposefully inflammatory,” asserting that it would “only escalate tensions” in the community. Newsom emphasized that California law enforcement, including the California Highway Patrol, are managing the situation and criticized the federal government’s actions as politically motivated and disruptive.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed similar sentiments, stating that the city had the situation under control and that the federal response was unnecessary. She emphasized that the city is still recovering from recent wildfires and that the deployment of the National Guard would create a sense of chaos.
Civil rights organizations have condemned the ICE raids and the subsequent military presence, citing concerns over human rights violations and the targeting of immigrant communities. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California issued a statement criticizing the federal actions and urging the protection of immigrant rights.
The protests have garnered national attention, with several high-profile celebrities, including Eva Longoria and Finneas, voicing their support for the demonstrators and criticizing the federal response. Longoria referred to the ICE raids as “un-American” and expressed her frustration over the federal government’s handling of the situation.
As of June 9, protests continue across Los Angeles, with demonstrators calling for an end to the ICE raids and the withdrawal of National Guard troops. The situation remains tense, with both sides urging for peaceful resolutions and expressing concerns over the potential for further escalation.
