Trump’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles sparks legal battle and public unrest

Thousands of troops sent amid ICE raids and widespread protests in Latino communities

In a major escalation of federal response to protests in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of over 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to the city, triggering a political and legal standoff with California authorities.

The protests began Friday following surprise raids by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Latino-majority neighborhoods. Demonstrators took to the streets in downtown Los Angeles and other areas, condemning what they call unjust and heavy-handed immigration enforcement.

Protests escalate across Los Angeles

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement erupted over the weekend. Vehicles were set on fire, and authorities used flash-bang grenades, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse crowds. Police reported dozens of arrests and multiple injuries, with looting and traffic disruption on major freeways like the 101.

The downtown Federal Building became a focal point after reports surfaced that ICE detainees were being held there. Protesters also gathered in Paramount, where tear gas was deployed amid claims—later denied—of a raid at a Home Depot.

By Monday, 29 arrests were made in Los Angeles and 60 more in San Francisco during related protests.

Trump orders Federal Troop deployment, faces state pushback

President Trump initially authorized 2,000 National Guard troops, followed by another 2,000 on Monday, bypassing state approval and citing national security concerns. He also approved sending 700 active-duty Marines from Southern California.

This action marks the first deployment of National Guard troops without a governor’s request since 1965, invoking a rarely used federal authority.

California sues Trump over ‘illegal and immoral’ deployment

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta quickly pushed back, filing a federal lawsuit against Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense. The lawsuit argues that the deployment violates the US Constitution’s Tenth Amendment and state sovereignty.

Governor Newsom called the move “illegal and immoral,” while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accused the federal government of turning the city into “an experiment.”

Pentagon sets boundaries for Marines in civil protests

The Pentagon is preparing detailed guidelines to limit the Marines’ role to protecting federal property and personnel. They will not conduct immigration enforcement or routine law enforcement but may temporarily detain individuals during critical threats until law enforcement arrives.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the department had not received formal notice about the Marines’ arrival and warned uncoordinated federal actions could complicate police operations.

ICE raids continue despite controversy

ICE confirmed the arrest of 44 undocumented individuals on Friday, with 77 more detained in the surrounding areas. These operations are part of Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which aims to reach 3,000 daily arrests nationwide. Previous weeks have seen similar sweeps in restaurants, construction sites, and retail stores across Los Angeles.

Critics argue the enforcement disproportionately targets Latino communities and disrupts families and businesses. Civil rights groups and local leaders have vowed to continue protesting and challenging the federal actions in court.

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