President Donald Trump has ordered the mobilization and deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to two days of widespread protests and assaults on federal immigration agents, which seem to be instigated by LA Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
Late on Saturday, videos surfaced online showing attacks on ICE and Border Patrol vehicles following the arrests of individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. In reaction, the president utilized his Truth Social platform to express criticism towards Democratic leaders in Los Angeles and Governor Gavin Newsom, who had not yet addressed the rioting.
Trump stated, “If Governor Gavin Newscum of California and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles are unable to perform their duties, which is widely recognized, then the Federal Government will intervene to resolve the issue of RIOTS & LOOTERS, as it should be addressed!!!”
In the early hours of Sunday, Trump reiterated his concerns with another post that proposed criminalizing the use of masks during protests, a common practice to conceal one’s identity:
“Kudos to the National Guard in Los Angeles for their efforts following two days of violence, confrontations, and unrest. We have an ineffective Governor (Newscum) and Mayor (Bass) who, as is typical (consider their management of the fires and their EXTREMELY SLOW PERMITTING process. Federal permitting is finalized!), were unable to manage the situation. These Radical Left protests, driven by instigators and frequently funded troublemakers, will NOT BE ACCEPTED. Furthermore, moving forward, MASKS WILL BE PROHIBITED at protests. What are these individuals attempting to conceal, and why??? Once again, I extend my gratitude to the National Guard for their commendable work!”
These statements follow Trump’s decision to federalize portions of the California National Guard after Newsom’s inaction in an effort to restore order in Los Angeles and safeguard federal immigration agents.
In response, Newsom took to social media to express his discontent regarding Defense Secretary Hegseth’s choice to deploy the Guard under Trump’s directive while also directing Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California.
The federal government is preparing to assume control of the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. This action is intentionally provocative and is likely to heighten tensions. Authorities in Los Angeles can request law enforcement support at any time,” Newsom stated on X.
“We are in close collaboration with the city and county, and there is presently no unmet requirement. The Guard has been commendably assisting LA throughout the recovery process. This mission is misguided and will undermine public confidence,” he continued.
Earlier, he remarked: “The federal government is taking control of the California National Guard and sending 2,000 soldiers to Los Angeles — not due to a lack of law enforcement, but because they seek a spectacle. Do not provide them with one. Always refrain from violence. Advocate peacefully.”
This prompted a reaction from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt: “Illegal criminal aliens and violent mobs have been engaging in arson, throwing rocks at vehicles, and assaulting federal law enforcement for several days. Gavin Newsom has failed to take action to halt this violence. He ought to express gratitude to President Trump for restoring law and order to California — a fundamental principle that Newsom and his fellow Democrats have neglected to maintain.”
On Saturday, tear gas was utilized near a Home Depot in Paramount, California, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were allegedly conducting a raid.
The operation incited a violent protest, leading to multiple arrests for assaulting federal agents, as reported by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks, according to Fox News.
Rioters were observed throwing rocks at ICE and Border Patrol vehicles in various videos shared online. At one instance, an ICE officer sustained injuries when a rock shattered his vehicle’s windshield.