A politically explosive decision by the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles has drawn fierce backlash from California officials, reigniting concerns over federal authority, state rights, and immigration enforcement.
Roughly 2,000 National Guard members were authorised for deployment on Saturday, with about 300 already stationed across three key locations in the greater Los Angeles area by Sunday. The move comes amidst widespread protests against aggressive immigration raids conducted by federal agents last week.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vigorously opposed the troop deployment, which occurred without his consent. He described the decision as an “unprecedented violation of state sovereignty,” warning it would inflame rather than ease tensions. “Trump is trying to manufacture a crisis in LA County – deploying troops not for order, but to create chaos,” Newsom posted on X, demanding the federal order be revoked.
The protests erupted following a wave of immigration raids led by ICE officers across Los Angeles on Friday, part of President Trump’s broader campaign to enforce mass deportations of undocumented migrants. Demonstrations have since intensified, with police reporting instances of violence, including vehicles being set on fire and projectiles thrown at law enforcement.
The LAPD declared parts of the protests unlawful gatherings and confirmed that arrests were underway. Meanwhile, federal troops have encircled buildings such as the Metropolitan Detention Centre to safeguard federal property.
President Trump, writing on his social media platform Truth Social, claimed Los Angeles had been “invaded” by undocumented immigrants and declared that the protests amounted to an “insurrection” against federal authority. “These lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,” he wrote.
In a further escalation, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that U.S. Marines could be mobilised if needed. The U.S. Northern Command later confirmed that 500 Marines were on standby. Newsom slammed the suggestion as “deranged behaviour,” warning that deploying the military against civilians on domestic soil would cross a dangerous line.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed those concerns, urging restraint and highlighting the fear rippling through the city’s immigrant communities. “Deploying federalised troops on the heels of these raids is a chaotic escalation,” she said. “Los Angeles will always stand with everyone who calls our city home.”
The last time a president overruled a state governor to deploy National Guard troops was in 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson sent forces to Alabama to protect civil rights demonstrators.
As the situation unfolds, both local leaders and civil rights advocates are calling for de-escalation and a renewed commitment to peaceful protest. However, with both federal and state officials refusing to back down, Los Angeles may remain on edge for days to come.
