Trump deploys National Guard as Los Angeles protests against immigration agents
a year ago
- #immigration
- #protests
- #National Guard
- US President Donald Trump deployed 2000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles to disperse protests against immigration raids.
- Tear gas and flash bangs were used in Paramount, California, leading to four arrests.
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, calling it essential to halt 'illegal criminals'.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment as 'purposefully inflammatory' and likely to escalate tensions.
- FBI is investigating alleged obstruction of immigration enforcement by Los Angeles demonstrators.
- Law enforcement sources expressed concerns that deploying the National Guard could provoke more unrest.
- Dozens of potentially violent demonstrators were observed in Los Angeles as of Saturday evening.
- White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller framed the situation as a choice between deportation or surrender to insurrection.
- Vice President JD Vance accused insurrectionists of attacking immigration officers while criticizing political leadership.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the immigration raids, calling them 'mass chaos' and terrorizing the community.
- Protests began Friday, with police declaring unlawful assemblies and authorizing less-lethal munitions.
- Videos showed law enforcement in riot gear clashing with protesters chanting for immigrant rights.
- At least 44 people were arrested in federal immigration raids earlier on Friday.
- Union leader David Huerta was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents, sparking further outrage.
- The ACLU called on elected officials to stop the 'oppressive and vile paramilitary operation'.
- Protesters faced off with police outside a federal building and detention facility, with projectiles thrown at officers.
- LAPD emphasized it would not assist in mass deportations or check immigration statuses to maintain community trust.
- Gov. Newsom condemned Trump's 'chaotic federal sweeps' as reckless and cruel, eroding trust and tearing families apart.