LOS ANGELES — On June 7, 2025, the Trump administration deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles following widespread protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The move, executed under Title 10 authority, bypassed state approval and marked a significant escalation in federal response to civil unrest.
The protests erupted after ICE detained 118 undocumented immigrants, including individuals with criminal records, during operations in the Los Angeles area. Demonstrations intensified in neighborhoods like Paramount and Compton, where clashes between protesters and federal agents led to property damage, including vandalized federal vehicles and a burned car. Federal agents employed tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds, resulting in multiple injuries and over a dozen arrests for obstructing enforcement actions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal deployment as “purposefully inflammatory,” arguing that it would only escalate tensions. He emphasized that local authorities had sufficient resources to manage the situation and criticized the federal government’s unilateral action. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also expressed concern, stating that the raids disrupted community trust and safety.
President Donald Trump defended the deployment, citing a breakdown in law and order. He criticized local leaders for their handling of the protests and warned of further federal intervention if necessary. Vice President JD Vance labeled the demonstrations as insurrection, aligning with the administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported that hundreds of individuals, including children, were detained during the protests. The organization raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the potential violation of civil liberties. Labor union leader David Huerta was among those arrested; his detention and subsequent hospitalization sparked additional criticism from Democratic officials.
The deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles underscores the deepening divide between federal and state authorities over immigration policy and enforcement. As protests continue, the situation remains volatile, with both sides standing firm in their positions.
