Trump sends California National Guard to contain protest unrest

President Donald Trump is sending 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, despite resistance from California’s governor.

The decision follows Saturday’s protests, which escalated into confrontations between immigration officers and demonstrators.

In a statement released on Saturday, the White House said the deployment is intended to "tackle the growing lawlessness that has been permitted to take root" in the state.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, opposed the deployment, calling it "purposefully inflammatory" in a post on X, warning it would only heighten tensions.

His criticism came in response to President Trump’s decision to send in troops as protests in Los Angeles stretched into a second day.

Demonstrations turned chaotic, with clouds of tear gas and smoke filling the streets as protesters clashed with Border Patrol agents in riot gear.

The White House significantly escalated its response, signaling a hardline stance.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on X, warned that U.S. Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton are on high alert and could be mobilized if unrest continues.

Newsom’s office noted that Trump had invoked Title 10 authority to federalize a portion of California’s National Guard, effectively placing command under the president rather than the state.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, stating immigration officials were carrying out vital work to “stop and reverse the invasion of illegal criminals.”

She criticized California's Democratic leadership, accusing them of abandoning their duty to ensure public safety in the face of violence.

President Trump’s decision to deploy troops followed a social media warning in which he declared that if Governor Gavin and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass failed to "do their jobs," the federal government would intervene to address "RIOTS & LOOTERS" in the way it “should be solved.”

He authorized the deployment order shortly before attending a UFC event in New Jersey, where he was seen ringside alongside former boxing champion Mike Tyson.

In his response posted on social media, Governor Newsom pushed back, stating that local agencies had immediate access to any necessary law enforcement support and emphasized that "there is currently no unmet need."

He added, "This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust."

Meanwhile, in the city of Paramount, Border Patrol agents outfitted in riot gear and gas masks held their position outside an industrial complex.

Tear gas was fired as protesters and bystanders stood on nearby medians and sidewalks, some shouting at officers and recording the scene on their phones.

"We see you for what you are," one woman said through a megaphone. "ICE out of Paramount. You are not welcome here."

Among the crowd, a protester held up a sign that read: “No Human Being is Illegal.”

Smoke billowed from burning debris and shrubbery scattered along the streets, while some protesters kicked at a Border Patrol vehicle.

A major boulevard was shut down as agents moved through a predominantly Latino neighborhood, where over 80% of residents identify as Hispanic.

In response to the unrest, the California Highway Patrol announced it was deploying additional officers under Governor Newsom’s directive to help “maintain public safety” on state roadways.