Trump Deploys National Guard to LA Amid Immigration Unrest
USA: President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following violent confrontations sparked by federal immigration raids.
The move comes after two days of clashes in the predominantly Latino Paramount district, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have led to growing tensions.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border enforcement advisor, told Fox News that the deployment aims to enhance public safety. “We are making Los Angeles safer,” he said during a live interview on Saturday.
Authorities reported that ICE operations this week resulted in 118 arrests, with 44 people detained on Friday alone. California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized the federal actions, describing them as “cruel.”
Newsom spoke with President Trump in a 40-minute call on Saturday, though the details of the conversation have not been publicly released.
Though the situation in Paramount has calmed somewhat, scattered confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators continue. Protesters and residents claim that undocumented migrants are hiding inside nearby businesses, too fearful to emerge.
The air remains thick with smoke and tear gas, as sheriff’s deputies regularly deploy flashbangs to disperse crowds.
Paramount, where over 80% of the population is Hispanic, has become the epicenter of the unrest. A White House statement described the clashes as attacks on federal agents by “violent mobs,” and accused California leaders of failing to uphold public safety.
The administration justified the National Guard deployment as necessary to counter what it called an "invasion of illegal criminals."
Tom Homan, speaking on the ground in Los Angeles, confirmed that more federal reinforcements were en route.
“We’re bringing in the National Guard tonight. We will continue doing our job,” he stated, warning that any violence or destruction of property would be met with “zero tolerance.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed that message on social media, warning: “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.” He said several arrests had already been made for obstructing law enforcement efforts.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the National Guard was being activated immediately and that U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton were on high alert in case the situation escalates further.
Late Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department released a statement noting that most demonstrations throughout the city had remained peaceful. The LAPD assured residents that it remained ready to act swiftly in the event of renewed unrest.
Governor Newsom, in an earlier statement, condemned the federal crackdown as reckless. “Trump’s chaos is tearing families apart and undermining the trust of communities that keep our economy running,” he said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also criticized the ICE actions, accusing the agency of instilling fear among the city’s residents.
In response, federal law enforcement leaders warned that such rhetoric could endanger agents’ lives.
Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, told a rally crowd, “Our community is under attack. These are families, workers, parents. This must end.”
Under U.S. law, the president can deploy the National Guard to respond to civil unrest or insurrection.
However, Governor Newsom condemned the federal move to take over California’s National Guard as “inflammatory” and warned that it could further inflame tensions.
“The City of Los Angeles is fully capable of managing public safety with state and local resources,” Newsom said.
Trump responded to the governor’s remarks on his Truth Social platform, criticizing both Newsom and Mayor Bass for their handling of the situation.
