National Guard Deployed in California Amidst Anti-Eviction Protests
President Trump orders the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard members following escalating riots in Los Angeles.
On June 8, 2025, the White House announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members in California as part of a response to ongoing anti-eviction protests in the Los Angeles area.
The deployment comes amidst reports of clashes between protesters opposing mass deportations and federal law enforcement officers, particularly the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The protests have intensified in Paramount, a predominantly Hispanic suburb of Los Angeles, where demonstrators have been seen hurling projectiles at police vehicles and reversing police cars, as documented by various live broadcasts on social media platforms.
Protesters, some waving South American flags, have voiced their dissent against the government's recent policies aimed at expelling undocumented migrants.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the White House, stated that President Trump signed a presidential memorandum for the National Guard's deployment to address what she characterized as the "anarchy" stemming from the inability of California leadership to control the situation.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the decision as "deliberately incendiary," highlighting the political context of the federal response.
Earlier, President Trump had warned that federal intervention would occur if state officials, including Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, failed to manage the unrest, expressing such sentiments on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Tensions in Los Angeles escalated after ICE's actions to detain undocumented individuals, triggering protests that resulted in further clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Reports indicate that federal law enforcement employed sound grenades and tear gas to disperse crowds as several people were detained during confrontations.
The protests were marked not only by physical confrontations but also by the symbolic act of burning an American flag, as seen in media reports.
ICE agents were reportedly seen gathering near a Home Depot, a known location for individuals seeking work.
It remains uncertain whether these agents aimed to execute arrests at that time or were simply preparing for another operation.
Instances of protesters attempting to prevent customs officers from departing and attacking a U.S. Marshals Service vehicle were also reported, prompting authorities to close nearby roadway exits.
Michael Banks, the Chief of Border Patrol, shared images on social media showcasing military-clad personnel from ICE facing off against protesters, emphasizing the enforcement’s stance on a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal conduct.
Steven Miller, a senior advisor to Trump, described the events as an "insurrection against U.S. laws and sovereignty".
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also indicated on social media that regular military forces may be activated if necessary, claiming the Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton remain on standby.
Governor Newsom characterized the deployment of the National Guard as unnecessary for law enforcement purposes and cautioned the public against responding to provocation.
He urged for peaceful expressions of dissent, stating that violence would not be tolerated.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reiterated that while peaceful protests are a fundamental right, acts of violence would lead to accountability.
Bill Essayli, the Central District Attorney of California, announced that National Guard troops would be operational in the area within the next 24 hours.
This deployment marks the first National Guard mobilization in California for civil unrest since 2020, following the protests ignited by the death of George Floyd.
The ICE operations in Los Angeles this week have reportedly led to the arrests of 118 individuals, including five gang members, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The deployment comes amidst reports of clashes between protesters opposing mass deportations and federal law enforcement officers, particularly the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The protests have intensified in Paramount, a predominantly Hispanic suburb of Los Angeles, where demonstrators have been seen hurling projectiles at police vehicles and reversing police cars, as documented by various live broadcasts on social media platforms.
Protesters, some waving South American flags, have voiced their dissent against the government's recent policies aimed at expelling undocumented migrants.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the White House, stated that President Trump signed a presidential memorandum for the National Guard's deployment to address what she characterized as the "anarchy" stemming from the inability of California leadership to control the situation.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the decision as "deliberately incendiary," highlighting the political context of the federal response.
Earlier, President Trump had warned that federal intervention would occur if state officials, including Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, failed to manage the unrest, expressing such sentiments on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Tensions in Los Angeles escalated after ICE's actions to detain undocumented individuals, triggering protests that resulted in further clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Reports indicate that federal law enforcement employed sound grenades and tear gas to disperse crowds as several people were detained during confrontations.
The protests were marked not only by physical confrontations but also by the symbolic act of burning an American flag, as seen in media reports.
ICE agents were reportedly seen gathering near a Home Depot, a known location for individuals seeking work.
It remains uncertain whether these agents aimed to execute arrests at that time or were simply preparing for another operation.
Instances of protesters attempting to prevent customs officers from departing and attacking a U.S. Marshals Service vehicle were also reported, prompting authorities to close nearby roadway exits.
Michael Banks, the Chief of Border Patrol, shared images on social media showcasing military-clad personnel from ICE facing off against protesters, emphasizing the enforcement’s stance on a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal conduct.
Steven Miller, a senior advisor to Trump, described the events as an "insurrection against U.S. laws and sovereignty".
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also indicated on social media that regular military forces may be activated if necessary, claiming the Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton remain on standby.
Governor Newsom characterized the deployment of the National Guard as unnecessary for law enforcement purposes and cautioned the public against responding to provocation.
He urged for peaceful expressions of dissent, stating that violence would not be tolerated.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reiterated that while peaceful protests are a fundamental right, acts of violence would lead to accountability.
Bill Essayli, the Central District Attorney of California, announced that National Guard troops would be operational in the area within the next 24 hours.
This deployment marks the first National Guard mobilization in California for civil unrest since 2020, following the protests ignited by the death of George Floyd.
The ICE operations in Los Angeles this week have reportedly led to the arrests of 118 individuals, including five gang members, according to the Department of Homeland Security.