Los Angeles, June 8, 2025 — President Donald Trump has activated 2,000 members of the California National Guard and ordered them to Los Angeles County in response to escalating protests sparked by aggressive ICE raids in immigrant communities. The deployment began Friday and represents a rare use of federal authority over a state’s Guard without gubernatorial consent.
Mass Arrests, Clashes, and Riots
On June 6, ICE conducted raids at multiple locations—including Home Depot in the Westlake District and a clothing wholesaler—resulting in at least 44 administrative arrests and over 100 detentions linked to protests. Protesters responded with rock-throwing, blocking federal vehicles, and reported incidents of flash-bangs and tear gas from police.
Violence intensified on June 7, particularly in Paramount and Compton. Witnesses reported protesters using Molotov cocktails and gasoline-filled bottles while federal agents responded with tear gas, pepper balls, and flash-bangs.
Federal Response & Deployment
Citing increasing “lawlessness,” the Trump administration swiftly acted. In a presidential memorandum, Trump invoked Title 10 authorisation, bypassing the Insurrection Act, to nationalise the National Guard—an action not seen since 1965. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the Pentagon was prepared to deploy active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton if needed.
Approximately 300 troops had already arrived by Sunday morning, stationed at federal buildings in Paramount and downtown L.A.; the rest are expected to follow under orders from the White House. Local officials report no Guard presence at active protest sites yet.
Reactions From Politicians
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move as “purposefully inflammatory,” calling it a federal power-grab designed to “create a spectacle” rather than restore order.
Mayor Karen Bass decried the “chaotic escalation” and urged calm, emphasising community safety while welcoming peaceful protest.
Senator Bernie Sanders warned the move signals a dangerous drift toward authoritarianism, saying Trump is risking democratic erosion by bypassing state authority.
Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and border czar Tom Homan, defended the decision, framing it as essential for protecting public safety.
Legal & Historical Context
Last occurred in 1965, federalising a state’s National Guard without its governor’s request remains unprecedented. The administration insists on operating under Title 10 grants legal basis without invoking the Insurrection Act.
On the Ground
Sunday’s early morning saw a calm in protest activities, despite Guard personnel stationed around federal facilities. Rep. Maxine Waters visited detention centres amid ongoing concerns, and local organisers are planning further demonstrations at City Hall.
What Comes Next?
With the National Guard in place and the potential for active-duty Marines at hand, authorities are gearing up for potential renewals of unrest. Legal challenges are expected from the ACLU and California leaders, aiming to block federal intervention.
Meanwhile, grassroots advocacy groups are planning more protests (“National Guard go away, ICE out of L.A.”) for Sunday afternoon at L.A. City Hall, setting the stage for another flashpoint in a deeply divided debate over immigration and state-federal power.
