Trump Deploys National Guard to Curb Protests As Violent Clashes in Los Angeles

 In a post on X, Trump sharply criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, holding them responsible for the situation. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom has objected to Trump’s move.

Trump said, “If California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cannot do their jobs, which everyone knows they cannot, the federal government will intervene and address the issue of riots and looters the way it needs to be addressed.” A White House post on X simply stated, “Law and Order.”

According to reports, ICE raids in Los Angeles on Friday caused widespread unrest in the city. During the operation, 44 individuals were detained, triggering outrage among immigrant communities.

This led to widespread protests, with clashes reported between police and demonstrators in several areas. Videos posted online showed nearly 100 protesters confronting immigration agents in the Fashion District, where several employees at a clothing store were detained in handcuffs.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California issued a statement claiming that their president, David Huerta, was “injured and detained” during the raids.

United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Esseli, stated in an X post that Huerta was arrested for “interfering with federal officers” after he “deliberately obstructed their vehicle.”

Videos from the scene showed protesters clashing with police, with tear gas and pepper spray deployed. Some protesters used hammers to break concrete pillars and threw large chunks at authorities. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell issued a statement on Friday, clarifying that the LAPD was not involved in civilian immigration enforcement during the day. However, the LAPD declared the evening protests an unlawful assembly and later issued a citywide alert, requesting all officers to remain on duty.

McDonnell stated, “I know these actions cause concern for many Angelenos. I want everyone, including our immigrant communities, to feel safe calling the police when needed and know that the LAPD will be there to help, regardless of immigration status.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement Friday night, expressing that she was “deeply angered” by the federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.

Her statement read, “These tactics spread terror in our communities and undermine trust in the fundamental principles of safety in our city. My office is working closely with immigrant rights organizations. We will not tolerate this.” Local community organizations held a press conference in the evening, condemning the raids. Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, stated, “These were indiscriminate raids, targeting our community at random. They are racially profiling our community.”

The ICE raids and subsequent protests have escalated tensions in Los Angeles, with Trump’s deployment of the National Guard further deepening the conflict with local authorities. The situation highlights the deep divisions over immigration policy in the United States.