President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants, labeling the situation a “migrant invasion,” after Los Angeles saw days of intense protests and riots sparked by federal immigration raids. The unrest began on June 6 when ICE agents conducted large-scale raids in the city, arresting at least 45 people, which quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations and street clashes.
Key Developments:
- Trump federalized the California National Guard and deployed 2,000 guard members to Los Angeles under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, the first such unilateral deployment since the 1960s, despite strong objections from Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the move a violation of state sovereignty and warned it would escalate tensions15.
- The protests, which began outside the Metropolitan Detention Center and spread across the city, included blocking major freeways, setting vehicles on fire, and confrontations with police and federal agents. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds.
- Protesters, many waving Mexican or Mexican-American flags, chanted anti-ICE slogans and clashed with officers. Some demonstrators threw projectiles, and a number of arrests and injuries were reported among both protesters and law enforcement.
- Trump’s administration has vowed to expel undocumented immigrants in response to the violence, with White House officials and ICE leadership warning of further enforcement actions and possible escalation if protests continue5.
Conclusion
The deployment of the National Guard and Trump’s hardline rhetoric have dramatically escalated tensions in Los Angeles, turning the city into a flashpoint over immigration policy. With both sides refusing to back down, the situation remains volatile, and the coming days will be critical in determining whether order can be restored or if further unrest will unfold
