Trump Deploys National Guard to Los Angeles as Immigration Protests Escalate

Photo Credit : Army National Guard

LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2025 — President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following a wave of immigration protests triggered by large-scale federal immigration raids. The move, executed without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, marks a rare instance of federally activated military presence in a major U.S. city under Title 10 of the U.S. Code.

Protests Follow Mass ICE Raids

The unrest began after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained 118 undocumented immigrants in coordinated raids across garment factories, construction sites, and food processing facilities last week. The raids led to protests across Downtown L.A., Boyle Heights, Van Nuys, and Paramount.

By Thursday night, tensions escalated. Demonstrators lit fireworks, blocked intersections, and clashed with federal agents. Law enforcement deployed tear gas. At least 47 people were arrested over two days.

Guard Deployment Under Title 10

On Saturday, the White House confirmed that the National Guard was federalized under Title 10, placing them under President Trump’s command. This allows federal use of state forces without California’s approval—but does not invoke the Insurrection Act.

Troops began arriving Sunday morning, posted outside the Metropolitan Detention Center and along key corridors downtown. The Pentagon said troops will only secure federal infrastructure unless unrest worsens.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs… the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”

Political Fallout and Legal Concerns

Gov. Newsom denounced the deployment as “purposefully inflammatory.” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass echoed the concern, stating, “We support peaceful protest, but reject violence and provocation.”

The ACLU of Southern California called the move a “dangerous militarization of civic life” and is preparing legal action.

Legal scholars warn that federalizing the National Guard under Title 10—without invoking the Insurrection Act—limits the troops’ role to supporting federal operations, not enforcing local law. But as Georgetown Law professor Steve Vladeck noted, this kind of deployment “raises the risk that the troops could end up using force while filling that ‘protection’ role,” potentially blurring the line between assistance and suppression.

Situation on the Ground

Protests continued Sunday in East L.A., Van Nuys, Compton, and Paramount. In Paramount, demonstrators waved flags and set fire to debris.

A focal point was the arrest of labor leader David Huerta of SEIU on Friday, drawing heavy criticism from immigrant rights advocates.

Wider Implications

The raids are part of Trump’s renewed push against sanctuary cities. ICE claims the operations targeted individuals with final deportation orders, though advocates say they are indiscriminate and fear-driven.

For L.A.’s large immigrant population—including many Filipino families—the events stirred fresh fears of civil rights violations. Many DACA recipients and community organizers say the raids are not just about immigration—they feel like a concerted effort to silence communities of color.

What’s Next

Organizers have announced a “Day of Resistance” for Monday, with peaceful rallies planned across Los Angeles County. Gov. Newsom and civil rights groups may pursue legal challenges to the Guard’s federalization.