Protests against federal immigration actions in Los Angeles have sparked a dispute between the state and federal government over how to respond. President Trump signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the protests, which California Gov. Gavin Newsom described as “inflammatory” and intended to create “a spectacle.”
The deployments came after ICE operations in LA resulted in the arrest of 118 immigrants, sparking chaotic clashes between protesters and authorities. The LAPD commended peaceful protesters but deployed non-lethal ammunition, pepper balls, and tear gas during demonstrations.
Activists have called for a mass mobilization, with many criticizing Trump’s response as heavy-handed. “There’s a way to do targeted ICE enforcement,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), who represents the community affected by the raids. “It’s been done before. And that’s when you’re going after criminals.”
The Trump administration has vowed to continue immigration enforcement in LA, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stating that Marines could be mobilized if violence continues. However, some lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), have disputed the need for active-duty Marine involvement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged protesters to remain peaceful, warning that deploying the National Guard into LA is a “chaotic” escalation. California’s Democratic leaders have also criticized the action, saying it will only exacerbate existing tensions.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/06/08/la-protests-national-guard-ice