Trump commands National Guard to suppress California demonstrations
(MENAFN) President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County following several days of violent protests targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, the White House announced Saturday.
The unrest began in Paramount, where demonstrators confronted ICE officers amid reports of deportation actions, although no actual raid took place there. Tensions escalated near a Home Depot, where law enforcement used tear gas and less-lethal rounds to disperse crowds.
Trump took to Truth Social, blaming California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for failing to control the situation, and declared that the federal government would intervene to restore order.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president signed a Presidential Memorandum authorizing the National Guard’s deployment, citing attacks on ICE personnel and growing lawlessness. She emphasized the administration’s firm stance against violence toward law enforcement.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar overseeing operations on the ground, told Fox News that the National Guard would be deployed immediately and vowed to continue enforcing the law without apology. He warned protesters that while First Amendment rights are respected, those who assault officers or damage property will face prosecution.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said deputies initially responded to a “street takeover” before federal agents requested backup due to attacks. He clarified that his department does not enforce immigration laws but supported federal officers under threat.
Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons criticized the federal government for not informing local officials beforehand, saying the lack of communication left residents scared and unprepared, which contributed to the chaos.
The protests followed immigration raids across Los Angeles the previous day, resulting in 44 administrative arrests and the detention of SEIU California president David Huerta on obstruction charges.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the unrest a “riot” and warned that anyone assaulting law enforcement would be prosecuted. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added, “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs.”
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