On Monday, President Donald Trump authorised the deployment of 2,000 additional National Guard members in response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles related to immigration raids. This order, which places the Guard on active duty, could take time to implement, as officials anticipate it might take a couple of days before troops are mobilised.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move, labelling it “reckless” and “disrespectful to our troops,” asserting that the deployment was driven by Trump’s ego rather than public safety concerns. The Pentagon has also sent about 700 Marines to support the National Guard. Their mission includes protecting federal properties and personnel amidst escalating demonstrations that began after federal authorities detained over 40 individuals in immigration enforcement actions across the city.
Newsom has expressed opposition to Trump’s deployment, stating it infringes upon California’s sovereignty, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated legal proceedings against the federal government, alleging Trump’s use of National Guard troops was unlawful. Bonta’s goal is to obtain a court order that halts the deployment, stating that the President has “trampled” state authority.
The protests initially unfolded peacefully but escalated over the weekend, with incidents of violence reported as police confronted demonstrators. Many protesters have linked their anger to the arrest of union leader David Huerta during Friday’s immigration protests, which has become a rallying point for opposition against the administration’s policies.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell remarked that the police were equipped to manage large events but were challenged by the uncoordinated arrival of military personnel. Amidst growing tensions, the atmosphere fluctuated between peaceful rallies, joy for Huerta’s release, and confrontations with police who faced aggressive actions from some remaining protesters.
Governor Newsom is urging that such military involvement is unnecessary, reaffirming that local law enforcement had the situation controlled. This recent deployment marks a notable historic precedent, as it is the first instance in decades where the National Guard was activated without a state governor’s request, reminiscent of the troops sent by President Lyndon B. Johnson to protect civil rights marchers in Alabama in 1965.
As more protests are anticipated throughout the country, tensions are expected to remain high as activists react to federal immigration actions while state officials advocate for a peaceful resolution to ongoing unrest.