The US President, Donald Trump, has ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell the ongoing protests over immigration crackdown, reported the Associated Press (AP).
Trump’s move caused a rise in tensions on Sunday as thousands of protesters took to the streets, blocking off a major freeway and burning self-driving cars.
Meanwhile, law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs, declaring several rallies “unlawful assemblies.”
Los Angeles Riots
Around 300 National Guard troops arrived to Los Angeles to protect federal buildings and personnel after three days of violent protests against Trump’s immigration enforcement.
On Friday morning, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other law enforcement agencies conducted raids across Los Angeles, arresting over 100 immigrants and sparking protests.
In April, tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets across the US to protest against Trump’s policies, including deporting immigrants.
Troops Deployment
In response to Los Angeles protests, Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to LA in order to thwart what he called “Migrant Invasion” and end riots.
“I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in coordination with all other relevant Departments and Agencies, to take all such action necessary,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free,” he added.
Critical Situation
The Los Angeles Police Chief, Jim McDonnell, said officers were “overwhelmed” by the protesters who are getting more aggressive.
As a result, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Looking really bad in LA. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!” urging him to arrest protesters wearing face masks.
Moreover, the US Northern Command said on Sunday afternoon that around 500 Marines were in a “prepared to deploy status.”
Inflammatory Move
Trump’s deployment of the National Guard has caused a friction with California Governor, Gavin Newsom, who called this move a “serious breach of state sovereignty,” urging the US President to remove the troops.
The deployment marks the first time in decades that a president has called in the National Guard without a state’s request. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, accused Trump of inflaming tensions by this move.
“What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is chaos that is provoked by the administration. This is about another agenda, this isn’t about public safety,” Bass said in a press conference.
