Tensions in Los Angeles reached a boiling point on Saturday as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids escalated into violent clashes, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 California National Guard troops to the city. The move, which has drawn sharp criticism from state and local officials, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict over immigration enforcement in one of the nation’s largest cities.
The unrest began Friday when ICE agents conducted sweeping raids across Los Angeles, targeting workplaces in areas like the Fashion District and the predominantly Latino city of Paramount. At least 118 individuals were arrested, including 44 on Friday alone, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming five detainees were linked to criminal organizations. Protesters quickly mobilized, gathering outside the Edward Roybal Federal Building and other detention centers, chanting slogans like “Set them free, let them stay!” and holding signs declaring “No Human Being is Illegal.”
By Saturday, the demonstrations grew more intense, particularly in Paramount, where over 80% of the population is Hispanic. Clashes erupted as protesters faced off against Border Patrol and local law enforcement in riot gear. Reports describe chaotic scenes: tear gas and flash-bang grenades were deployed, a car was set ablaze in Compton, and shopping carts were overturned as crowds blocked streets. A Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department spokesperson reported two arrests for assaulting an officer, with one demonstrator allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail, though no serious injuries were reported.
Related Articles:
- Trump cracks down on foreign students, Harvard amid Gaza protests
- ESUT student, only son of widowed mother, murdered by herdsmen in Eha-Amufu—grief, protests rock community
- 3.9-magnitude earthquake hit Los Angeles following Oscars 2025
President Trump, invoking Title 10 authority to federalize the California National Guard, ordered the deployment to “address the lawlessness” and protect federal agents. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused California’s “feckless Democrat leaders” of failing to maintain order, claiming that “violent mobs” had attacked ICE officers. Border Czar Tom Homan, speaking from Los Angeles, emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy for violence, stating on Fox News, “We’re bringing in more resources as we speak. We gonna bring the National Guard in tonight.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth further warned that active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton were on “high alert” if unrest persisted.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as “purposefully inflammatory” and warned it would “only escalate tensions.” In a series of posts on X, Newsom accused the Trump administration of seeking a “spectacle” and urged protesters to remain peaceful to avoid playing into federal hands. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed these concerns, calling the unrest “deeply concerning” and the ICE raids an attempt to “sow terror” in the city. Both officials insisted local law enforcement was capable of handling the situation, with Newsom noting the deployment of additional California Highway Patrol units to maintain safety.
The protests have drawn widespread attention, with videos circulating on X showing chaotic scenes of tear gas and burning vehicles. Among those arrested was David Huerta, regional president of the Service Employees International Union, who was injured during Friday’s protests and remains in federal custody. The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California reported that hundreds, including children, were detained at the federal building, fueling outrage among immigrant communities.
Critics, including constitutional scholar Adam Schiff, have raised alarms about the federalization of the National Guard, warning it could set a precedent for invoking the Insurrection Act or martial law. Schiff argued that Trump is seeking a “violent confrontation” to justify extreme measures. Conversely, Vice President JD Vance labeled the protesters “insurrectionists” on X, calling for stronger border security measures.
As Los Angeles braces for further unrest, the deployment of the National Guard has deepened divisions. While federal officials frame the response as necessary to enforce immigration laws, state and local leaders argue it risks further alienating communities and escalating a volatile situation. With protests showing no signs of abating, the nation watches closely as Los Angeles becomes a flashpoint in the broader debate over immigration policy.
