Tension in Los Angeles as protests erupt over Immigration raids, Trump deploys troops

Downtown Los Angeles descended into chaos over the weekend as protests erupted in response to aggressive immigration raids that saw dozens of arrests.

The situation escalated dramatically after US President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to the city, a move critics slammed as an intimidation tactic aimed at stifling dissent.

The unrest, which began on Friday, was sparked by immigration operations targeting undocumented migrants and suspected gang members.

But tensions soared after heavily armed National Guardsmen were seen patrolling the streets, prompting widespread outrage.

By Sunday night, authorities had declared the area an “unlawful assembly” as clashes broke out between protesters and security forces.

Tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades were used to disperse crowds.

At least three self-driving cars were set ablaze, and over 56 arrests were confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department, which also reported minor injuries to three officers.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s order as a “serious breach of state sovereignty” and vowed legal action.

“Commandeering a state’s National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral,” Newsom said on X, warning protesters to remain peaceful and avoid falling for what he called Trump’s attempts to provoke chaos.

The deployment marks the first time a US president has sent National Guard troops into a state without the governor’s consent since 1965. Trump, however, remained defiant, describing the protesters as “insurrectionists” and hinting at broader military action nationwide.

“I think you’re going to see some very strong law and order,” Trump told reporters, suggesting his administration was considering invoking the Insurrection Act, which would permit the use of military forces as domestic police.

Democratic leaders, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, criticized the move as a dangerous escalation. “This is fuel on the fire,” she said, while Republicans defended the action as necessary to restore order.

The demonstrations in Los Angeles are the largest yet in response to Trump’s immigration crackdown, with smaller protests reported in cities like San Francisco, where around 60 people were detained.

Veteran demonstrators expressed their anger at the heavy-handed tactics. “We hate what they’ve done with undocumented workers, but this is moving it to another level of taking away the right to protest,” said 78-year-old protester Marshall Goldberg.

US Northern Command confirmed about 500 Marines remain on standby should further reinforcements be needed.

As California braced for possible further unrest, the political standoff between state and federal authorities appears far from over.