President Donald Trump has intensified his confrontation with California’s Democratic leadership by unilaterally deploying at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid protests sparked by recent immigration enforcement actions. The move bypasses Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority and raises questions about the limits of presidential power.
The protests erupted after a federal immigration raid in Los Angeles’ garment district on Friday, leading to scattered demonstrations against deportation efforts. Local and state officials had not requested federal assistance, but the Trump administration framed the unrest as a severe threat to national security.
On social media, the president described Los Angeles as being “invaded and occupied” by “violent, insurrectionist mobs” and instructed senior cabinet members to take all necessary measures to “liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion.” He warned that any attacks on law enforcement or military personnel would be met with force.
Though Mr. Trump did not confirm plans to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act, which permits federal troop deployment to suppress domestic disturbances, he asserted that “troops will be everywhere.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called the situation a “fight to save civilization.”
This deployment marks a rare precedent, with the last comparable federal intervention occurring in 1965 when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent National Guard troops to Alabama to protect civil rights demonstrators without state approval.
Trump’s allies argue the situation exemplifies the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, framing the protests as a clash between law enforcement and those supporting illegal immigration. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich described the issue as a clear divide between upholding the law and condoning illegal activity.
Meanwhile, protests against immigration raids have occurred nationwide. Many demonstrations remain peaceful, but the administration highlighted incidents of violence and foreign flags, including those of Mexico and El Salvador, to portray the unrest as an invasion.
Governor Newsom condemned the federal response, labeling the deployment a “deliberate provocation.” He formally requested Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to rescind the National Guard call-up, citing fears that federal actions are exacerbating tensions.
Democratic leaders echoed Newsom’s concerns, blaming the Trump administration for the unrest. Senator Alex Padilla criticized the administration’s “misinformation and disinformation” tactics, stating that passionate communities would naturally resist harsh immigration enforcement without due process.
Republican lawmakers, however, supported Trump’s actions, emphasizing the need to protect federal personnel amid violence. Representative Kevin Kiley attributed the unrest to “reckless decisions” by California’s political leaders and criticized policies he associated with the Biden administration’s border stance.
The administration has also indicated readiness to escalate enforcement efforts, with border official Tom Homan warning of arrests for anyone interfering with immigration operations, including public officials.
Trump’s aggressive stance toward California extends beyond immigration, with recent threats to withdraw federal funding over issues ranging from transgender athlete policies to delays in the state’s high-speed rail project. Critics warn that the president’s tactics may deepen political divisions and harm the country.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the president’s actions as necessary responses to failures by Democratic-run cities and institutions, underscoring a broader partisan conflict.
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