President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area in response to growing protests sparked by sweeping federal immigration enforcement actions. California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly opposed the decision, warning it would worsen tensions and undermine local efforts to manage the situation.
The protests erupted following large-scale operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), part of what Trump has called the most extensive deportation campaign in U.S. history. Throughout his recent campaign, the president and his allies repeatedly targeted Democratic-led states, claiming their immigration policies jeopardized public safety. They vowed a federal crackdown on so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions that resist cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
On Saturday, demonstrators gathered in Paramount, California — roughly 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles — after a morning ICE raid near a Home Depot store. Clashes occurred in other parts of the city as well. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said it was managing the crowds only for safety and traffic purposes and did not participate in federal enforcement. It declined to specify how many arrests had taken place.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that immigration officers and federal agents had been attacked by violent protesters while performing routine deportation duties in Los Angeles. She described the operations as vital for national security, characterizing them as efforts to prevent “an invasion of illegal criminals.” The president signed an order deploying the Guard to help enforce immigration laws.
In a sharply worded response, Governor Newsom said the state was not in need of federal intervention. He accused the administration of attempting to nationalize the California National Guard and warned the move was unnecessary and provocative. “This action is designed to inflame tensions and will only make matters worse,” Newsom stated.
Newsom emphasized that local authorities were fully capable of responding to the protests and maintaining order. He said the Guard was already helping with fire recovery efforts and that diverting them to immigration enforcement would damage community trust.
Protests initially began on Friday, after immigration raids were conducted in central L.A., including the downtown fashion district. In a separate incident, a protest was declared unlawful after individuals reportedly threw debris, including chunks of concrete, at officers.
Tensions between California and the federal government have escalated further with Trump’s reported consideration of cutting all federal funding to the state, a move that could significantly impact public services. The dispute underscores the broader conflict over California’s 2017 “sanctuary state” law (Senate Bill 54), which limits how much local law enforcement can collaborate with federal immigration agents.
While L.A. law enforcement typically does not assist in immigration operations — except in cases involving serious criminal offenses — Newsom reiterated that city and county agencies are fully equipped to maintain public safety and respond rapidly to unrest.
The L.A. Sheriff’s Department released a statement encouraging peaceful protest while ensuring the safety of residents, bystanders, and demonstrators alike.
In recent months, the Trump administration has expanded military involvement in immigration enforcement. Armed National Guard units equipped with heavy vehicles have been deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border, and the Pentagon is preparing to take over land in key border regions. The Department of Homeland Security has requested up to 20,000 Guard members to support immigration enforcement efforts nationwide.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated Saturday night that the National Guard continues its long-standing role of responding to presidential orders aimed at maintaining peace and public order.
