National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles Amidst Immigration Protests
President Trump has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles following escalating protests in a predominantly Hispanic district of Paramount. The protests erupted after a second day of clashes between residents and border immigration officers attempting to enforce President Trump's policy to deport unauthorized migrants.
Clashes Between Protesters and Federal Agents
Federal ICE agents reportedly used tear gas, flashbangs, and batons to disperse protesters. The White House border policy chief traveled to Los Angeles to oversee the operation, which resulted in over 40 migrant arrests on Saturday. He warned against violence and property damage.
Official Responses
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that ICE was "sowing terror" in the city. The White House declared a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially against law enforcement. They vowed to arrest and prosecute those involved and to fully enforce US laws.
Events on the Ground
Recent images from Los Angeles show law enforcement officers in protective gear exiting a federal detention center. Officers fired tear gas and what appeared to be flashbangs at protesters. The LAPD had issued dispersal orders and authorized the use of less-lethal munitions.
Protester Response
Protesters initially pulled back as officers formed a line and advanced down the road, attempting to establish a cordon. Despite warnings, multiple people were detained for failing to disperse.
President Trump's Reaction
President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, praising the National Guard's actions in Los Angeles. He criticized the governor and mayor, citing their handling of fires and permitting delays. He labeled the protesters as "radical left" instigators and "paid troublemakers" and stated masks would not be allowed at protests. The actual deployment of the National Guard has not yet been independently verified.
Protester's Perspective
A protester explained they were peacefully protesting ICE's presence in their community. They claimed ICE targeted a Home Depot, known to have undocumented workers. The protester stated they were attacked without provocation, with law enforcement using "bombs" and pepper spray.
Context of Paramount
The Paramount District, located about 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, is a predominantly Latino district.
On-the-Ground Report
Reporter Regan Morris described a heavy law enforcement presence in the area, with most protesters dispersed. Flashbangs were still audible in the distance.
Incidents During Reporting
Morris reported that someone threw a Molotov cocktail over a fence, briefly setting a sheriff's deputy's pants on fire. An accidental flashbang explosion near police officers was followed by an aggressive response.
Concerns for Migrants
Morris shared reports of ICE agents in unmarked cars and migrants allegedly locked in factories, fearing deportation. She explained that Los Angeles is a sanctuary city, meaning local law enforcement typically does not cooperate with federal immigration officials in deporting undocumented immigrants.
Reactions to National Guard Deployment
Governor Newsom has called the deployment of the National Guard "inflammatory" and predicted it would escalate tensions. Local leaders and community members echoed this sentiment. The report mentioned a recent phone call between Governor Newsom and President Trump, the contents of which are unknown.
California's Sanctuary Status
California's policies generally protect migrants, regardless of legal status. The state's economy, particularly the agricultural sector, relies heavily on migrant labor. The state attempts to protect law-abiding migrants without proper documentation.
Witness Account
A witness described being stuck in traffic when ICE agents raided a business. After ICE agents brought people out in vans, everyone knew what was going on and started looking at them. The witness also reported that tear gas was thrown at cars, including one occupied by a woman and her daughter, who was hospitalized after being hit in the face by a tear gas canister.
Recording the Events
The witness and their girlfriend got out of their car to record the events peacefully, without yelling or throwing anything. They stated the importance of documenting the events. They felt the authorities wanted the protesters to riot in order to make them look bad.
LA Times Immigration Reporter's Perspective
Rachel Uranga, an immigration reporter at the LA Times, reported clashes in Paramount and near the federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles. She highlighted Los Angeles' large immigrant population and its deep ties to the community.
Immigrant Impact
Uranga emphasized that California's economy relies heavily on immigrant labor and that one in two children in Los Angeles have immigrant family members. She said that Los Angeles has become "ground zero" for testing the limits of Trump's immigration policy.