Los Angeles [US], June 8 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, as protests intensified following widespread immigration enforcement raids, CNN reported.
The protests, which erupted on Friday after dozens were detained in federal raids across the city, have drawn criticism from civil rights groups and state leaders. Demonstrators decried what they described as “mass chaos” and “paramilitary operations” targeting immigrant communities. In response, the Department of Defense began mobilizing the National Guard to support federal law enforcement agencies.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took to social media platform X, describing the protests as “violent mob assaults” designed to obstruct the removal of “criminal illegal aliens.”
“The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil; a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels (aka Foreign Terrorist Organizations) and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK,” Hegseth wrote. He further warned that active-duty Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton were on high alert and could be deployed if the unrest continued.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, blaming California’s Democratic leadership for fostering “lawlessness.” She stated, “Violent mobs attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents,” and called the deployment essential to “halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly condemned the federal action, labeling it “purposefully inflammatory.” “Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy,” Newsom said in a statement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the surprise raids, noting that the city had not received prior notification. “ICE was literally chasing people down the street,” Bass said, describing the scene as “mass chaos.” She emphasized that city officials are working with local law enforcement to find a “safe and effective” path forward.
Despite official assurances of control, the protests have grown increasingly volatile in certain neighborhoods. While downtown demonstrations remained mostly peaceful—with protesters chanting slogans like “Free them all” and “Full Rights for All Immigrants”—clashes escalated in areas like Paramount and Compton.
In Compton, protesters reportedly set a vehicle ablaze, while demonstrators at a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles vandalized property and confronted law enforcement. Videos from the scene showed police using batons, riot gear, and smoke bombs to disperse crowds.
David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was arrested after allegedly attempting to block access to a federal worksite. US Attorney Bill Essayli responded, “Let me be clear: I don’t care who you are—if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted.” Huerta, treated for injuries sustained during the arrest, condemned the raids as unjust and inhumane.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department distanced itself from the federal immigration operations. “We will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual’s immigration status,” said Police Chief Jim McDonnell. The department reiterated its focus on public safety while maintaining community trust.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a statement calling on elected officials to “immediately halt this vile paramilitary operation.” The organization urged protection for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
CNN reported that Friday’s raids targeted multiple locations, including a business in the Fashion District suspected of using falsified documents for workers. At least 44 people were arrested, and the FBI is investigating reports of protestors obstructing enforcement operations.
As of Saturday evening, authorities said dozens of potentially violent demonstrators remained under surveillance, with additional law enforcement resources deployed throughout Los Angeles County. (ANI)
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