California’s governor is resisting the president’s efforts to quell pro-immigrant protests in the state.
President Trump has instructed federal authorities to take “all such action necessary” to quell the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles. He’s ordered National Guard deployment and promised to “liberate” the city from what he calls a criminal migrant “invasion.”
Trump stated on Truth Social that “A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals.” He added, “Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve… Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free.”
The president said he tasked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi with coordinating federal agency response to the disturbances.
Trump’s directives come after two days of clashes between protestors and federal immigration officers, leading to his authorization of 2,000 National Guard troops.
Tensions escalated on Sunday afternoon as protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. Videos showed National Guard troops confronting protestors with riot shields. Tear gas was deployed, but the responsible agency and trigger for escalation are unconfirmed.
Governor Newsom denounced the federal government’s “takeover” of the California National Guard, calling it unconstitutional and politically driven. He formally demanded President Trump retract the order and return troop control to the state.
“We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved,” he asserted on X. “This is a serious breach of state sovereignty – inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed.”
The unrest started Friday and worsened Saturday in Paramount and Compton, following immigration raids resulting in over 100 arrests. Demonstrators attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles, and some threw objects at officers. Federal agents responded with tear gas, pepper balls, and flash-bang grenades.
Homeland Security officials accused local politicians of neglecting public safety. “Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Critics argue Trump’s action circumvents constitutional norms. Senator Sanders described the deployment as “a president moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism.” House Speaker Johnson, conversely, defended the order, attributing the disorder to California’s Democratic leadership.
While past National Guard deployments in Los Angeles were state-initiated, this is the first federal override since the 1960s civil rights era. The duration of the troop deployment remains unclear. Defense Secretary Hegseth suggested active-duty Marines could be deployed if the violence continues.
— U.S. Northern Command (@USNorthernCmd)
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