On Saturday night, President Donald Trump issued a directive to deploy 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles as a response to recent immigration protests, according to statements from the White House.
“Recently, violent mobs have assaulted ICE officers and federal law enforcement agents who are conducting essential deportation operations in Los Angeles, California,” stated White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
This directive comes as tensions continue to rise between federal immigration officials and protesters.
The ongoing demonstrations, sparked by federal immigration enforcement activities in Los Angeles, have resulted in over 100 arrests. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have reported encountering violence and harassment from protestors during their operations, as highlighted in a report by NBC Los Angeles.
Leavitt indicated to NBC News that Trump’s order is federalizing a segment of California’s National Guard that typically operates under the command of Governor Gavin Newsom, an authority the President can exercise under specific circumstances.
Governor Newsom criticized Trump’s action, labeling it “purposely inflammatory” and predicting it would exacerbate existing tensions.
“The authorities in Los Angeles are equipped to request law enforcement assistance as needed. We maintain close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no outstanding need,” he commented on X.
“This mission is misguided and risks damaging public trust,” he added.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted on Saturday that should the violence persist, active-duty Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton will be put on alert for mobilization.
In the meantime, Trump was observed attending an Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday night.
Vice President JD Vance referred to the demonstrators as “insurrectionists” in a post on X, stating, “Insurrectionists waving foreign flags are attacking immigration enforcement officers, while a segment of America’s political leadership has deemed border enforcement as evil.”
In a social media update, Trump stated, “If Governor Gavin Newscum and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles cannot fulfill their duties, which is widely acknowledged, the Federal Government will intervene to resolve the situation involving riots and looters, as it should!”
Labor leader David Huerta, president of SEIU California, was reportedly injured during his arrest while monitoring the protests. The Department of Homeland Security accused Huerta of “obstructing” federal officers.
The White House also disclosed a formal memo from the president directed to the secretary of defense, the attorney general, and the secretary of homeland security.
The memo indicated, “When protests or acts of violence directly interfere with the enforcement of laws, they represent a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.”
The president emphasized, “In light of these incidents and credible threats of ongoing violence, I hereby call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard, exercising the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States.”
This is breaking news. Updates will follow as the situation develops.
