Significant unrest unfolded in downtown Los Angeles as law enforcement resorted to chemical agents and rubber bullets to disperse protesters opposing the deployment of National Guard troops. This decision, made by President Donald Trump, ignited a strong backlash from the community.
Despite vehement objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the troops were deployed, escalating concerns and tensions in local neighborhoods.
Protests Against Deportations and Arrests
This move by the president coincided with growing discontent regarding stricter immigration policies. Protests erupted following recent migrant detention operations, resulting in over 100 arrests within just a few days.
Hundreds of citizens gathered outside the Federal Detention Center, expressing their dissent against the National Guard’s presence. Chanting phrases like “shame” and “leave our city,” they demanded the immediate withdrawal of military forces.
Authorities responded decisively, deploying tear gas, pepper balls, and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd, while protesters retaliated by blocking the 101 freeway.
Simultaneously, police faced an onslaught as their vehicles were damaged by makeshift barricades positioned by demonstrators.
Governor’s Statement: Violation of State Rights
In a letter to Trump, Governor Newsom described the action as a blatant infringement on California’s sovereignty and urged for the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard.
Trump defended his actions, asserting that they were essential to maintain order: “There are dangerous individuals in Los Angeles, and we will not allow them to exploit the situation,” he stated.
Unrest in Immigrant Communities
The protests spread beyond downtown, with disturbances reported in heavily Latino areas like Paramount and Compton. In Paramount, demonstrators attempted to obstruct Border Patrol vehicles, leading to confrontations involving chemical agents and flash-bang grenades.
Trump: “We Will Maintain Strict Order”
Before boarding Air Force One, Trump declared that his administration would take firm action against any attempts to instigate unrest: “We will not allow things to spiral out of control. If necessary, we will deploy troops to additional cities. Law and order will prevail,” he asserted.
Notably, former Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth remarked that this is the first instance since 1965 that federal forces have been dispatched to a state without the local governor’s approval.
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