Unrest in Los Angeles as Newsom Denounces Trump’s National Guard Deployment
LOS ANGELES — Tensions erupted across Los Angeles late Sunday as California National Guard troops arrived to enforce order amid widespread protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies — a move California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted as an abuse of federal power.
Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 Guard members despite fierce opposition from both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who accused the president of staging a “political spectacle.” According to U.S. Northern Command, at least 300 troops were already stationed at multiple sites across the greater Los Angeles area to protect federal property and personnel.
Calling the deployment “unlawful,” Newsom issued a formal letter to the White House on Sunday afternoon, denouncing the decision as a “serious breach of state sovereignty” and urging Trump to immediately withdraw federal forces and restore the state’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators filled city streets in a show of defiance. Confrontations intensified as law enforcement declared several protests “unlawful assemblies,” deploying flash-bangs and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The chaos left protesters fleeing in tears, with scenes of confusion and panic playing out across downtown Los Angeles.
Earlier in the day, protesters had blocked traffic along the 101 Freeway, a major artery through the city. Video footage captured demonstrators hurling objects from overpasses at police officers below. The standoff later cleared, but not before large swaths of graffiti — criticizing federal authorities and calling for immigrant rights — were left across buildings, sidewalks, and public signs.
As night fell, a small group of demonstrators waving Mexican flags continued to face off against state and local officers stationed at major intersections, refusing to leave despite mounting pressure.
LAPD Chief Warns of ‘Swift and Lawful Action’ as Downtown LA Declared Unlawful Assembly Zone
LOS ANGELES — As protests over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown intensified Sunday night, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell issued a firm warning: any act of violence will be met with immediate and legal consequences.
Speaking at a late-night press conference, McDonnell acknowledged that most demonstrations had remained peaceful and thanked community members “for expressing their frustration in a responsible manner.” However, he emphasized that the LAPD is prepared to respond forcefully to any outbreaks of violence.
“When peaceful demonstrations devolve into acts of vandalism or violence — especially against innocent people, law enforcement officers, or the public — we must respond firmly,” McDonnell said. “An act of violence will be met with swift and lawful action.”
The chief added that while the department understands the fear and anxiety caused by federal immigration enforcement, LAPD is not involved in any ICE operations. He described recent violent incidents during the protests as “disgusting,” reiterating that law enforcement’s role is to ensure public safety without escalation.
McDonnell also noted that LAPD had sufficient resources to manage the situation and would have explored several de-escalation measures before considering National Guard assistance.
“This deployment came directly from the president. These troops are working for the U.S. Army — not the California State National Guard,” McDonnell said.
Newsom Vows Legal Challenge Against Trump Over Guard Deployment
In a Sunday interview with MSNBC, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to sue the Trump administration over what he called an “unconstitutional” deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles.
“He’s been pouring gasoline on this fire from the start,” Newsom said. “We’re going to challenge this legally and morally. The lawsuit will be filed Monday.”
Newsom claimed Trump never mentioned the Guard deployment during a Friday evening conversation between the two about the protests.
Entire Downtown Los Angeles Declared Unlawful Assembly Zone
LAPD declared the entirety of downtown Los Angeles an unlawful assembly area late Sunday, urging all individuals to vacate immediately.
“You are to leave the Downtown Area immediately,” police posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Shortly after the declaration, demonstrators gathered near L.A. Live and the Crypto.com Arena, blocking traffic at Figueroa and 11th streets. Around 8 p.m. local time, police declared an unlawful assembly near the 101 Freeway, deploying flash-bangs and tear gas. Videos showed protesters running through clouds of smoke, some using milk to ease the effects of tear gas as helicopters hovered overhead.
Local media footage showed police in riot gear confronting protesters, some of whom climbed fences to escape. Officers were seen pushing demonstrators with batons.
Chants of “F— ICE, leave LA” echoed through the crowd, with many protesters waving Mexican or Mexican American flags. Some demonstrators threw water bottles and other objects at officers and police vehicles.
A massive crowd briefly shut down both directions of the 101 Freeway. Protesters built a makeshift barricade on the southbound lanes before being confronted by riot police.
Motorcyclists Breach Police Line, Injure Officers
In a separate incident, LAPD said two motorcyclists attempted to breach a police skirmish line at Alameda and Temple streets, striking and injuring two officers. Both officers received medical attention at the scene, and two individuals were taken into custody.
Protests Lead to Dozens of Arrests and Injuries
According to LAPD, at least 10 arrests were made Sunday in connection with the protests. The California Highway Patrol reported an additional 17 arrests on the 101 Freeway. On Saturday, 29 people were taken into custody.
Among Sunday’s arrests were individuals accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at officers and ramming a police line with a motorcycle. Three officers were injured during the demonstrations, police said.
Newsom Dares Feds to Arrest Him Amid Growing Tensions Over National Guard Deployment
LOS ANGELES — California Governor Gavin Newsom escalated his public feud with the Trump administration Sunday, daring federal officials to arrest him after he criticized the president’s immigration crackdown and the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles.
“Trump’s border czar is threatening to arrest me for speaking out,” Newsom posted on social media. “Come and get me, tough guy. I don’t give a damn. It won’t stop me from standing up for California.”
The challenge came in response to comments made by Trump’s immigration adviser Tom Homan, who told NBC News on Saturday that federal agents would enforce immigration laws in Los Angeles regardless of state resistance.
“We’re going to keep enforcing the law every day in L.A., whether they like it or not,” Homan said. When asked if Newsom or Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could be arrested for interfering, he added: “Anyone who crosses that line — it’s a felony to harbor or conceal an illegal alien. It’s a felony to impede federal law enforcement.”
Trump and his officials have repeatedly stated they would prosecute anyone who attempts to obstruct the immigration operation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined the criticism, posting a photo of fires in the city with the caption:
“Another ‘mostly peaceful protest’ brought to you by Gavin Newsom. DEPORT.”
Newsom’s press office fired back on social media with sarcasm, posting a photo from a past Super Bowl celebration and asking:
“Will the Marines be deployed the next time the Eagles win the Super Bowl?”
Newsom Formally Requests Trump Withdraw National Guard from Los Angeles
Earlier Sunday, Newsom sent a formal letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth requesting an immediate reversal of Trump’s order to deploy 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles. The governor condemned the action as a violation of state authority.
“We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved,” Newsom said in a separate social media post. “This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed.”
In the letter, Newsom argued that local law enforcement had sufficient personnel to maintain public safety, and that deploying untrained Guard members without proper orders could further escalate tensions.
“In dynamic and fluid situations like Los Angeles, local authorities are best positioned to assess the need for additional support,” the letter read.
White House Pushes Back: ‘Newsom Is Lying’
Responding to Newsom’s request, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended Trump’s decision, telling Reuters:
“It’s a bald-faced lie for Newsom to claim there was no problem in Los Angeles before President Trump got involved. Everyone saw the chaos, violence, and lawlessness — unless, of course, Gavin Newsom doesn’t think any of that is a problem.”
Downtown LA Declared ‘Unlawful Assembly’; Police Deploy Force
On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Department placed the city under a “tactical alert,” enabling commanders to redeploy officers citywide and requiring them to remain on duty until officially relieved.
The department declared the protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles an “unlawful assembly” and issued a dispersal order.
Police said protesters had thrown concrete chunks, bottles, and other projectiles at officers. Arrests were made at the scene as police moved to clear the area.
Bass, Newsom Blame Trump for Escalating LA Unrest; Protesters, Officials Clash Over Immigration Crackdown
LOS ANGELES — Tensions in Los Angeles continued to escalate Sunday as state and local leaders accused the Trump administration of provoking chaos with its immigration raids and military-style response. Amid mass protests and rising violence in downtown LA, Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment of federalized National Guard troops and urged calm.
Bass: Administration ‘Provoked Chaos’ in LA
During a Sunday afternoon press conference, Mayor Karen Bass directly blamed the Trump administration for inciting fear and disorder.
“What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is chaos that is provoked by the administration,” Bass said. “When you raid Home Depot and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you run armored caravans through our streets, you cause fear and you cause panic.”
She called the National Guard deployment a “dangerous escalation,” echoing Governor Newsom’s criticism, and confirmed she was joining him in formally requesting that the order be rescinded and control of the Guard returned to the state.
“I want the people of Los Angeles to know that we stand with all Angelenos,” she added. “Your First Amendment right gives you the ability to protest peacefully—but not to incite violence, chaos, or destruction. That will not be tolerated.”
Democrats Warn Against Violence; Marines on Standby
As protests continued, Democratic leaders urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 500 Marines stationed at Twentynine Palms were placed on “prepare to deploy” status, signaling that the administration was considering a wider military response.
Governor Newsom met with LAPD and sheriff’s department officials and reiterated his call for restraint:
“We’re here to keep the peace — not play into Trump’s political games,” Newsom posted on X. “Don’t take the bait. Never use violence or harm law enforcement.”
Senator Alex Padilla called the deployment “a misuse of our National Guard,” noting it was the first time since 1965 that troops were federalized and deployed without a governor’s request or support.
Union Leader Injured, Arrested During ICE Raid
Friday’s protests erupted after ICE arrested at least 44 individuals for alleged immigration violations. Among them was SEIU California President David Huerta, who was detained and reportedly injured during a raid.
According to the union, Huerta was documenting federal activity when he was arrested, later receiving hospital treatment before being held in federal custody. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Huerta will be arraigned Monday for interfering with federal officers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Huerta’s arrest “part of a disturbing pattern” of silencing dissent and demanded his immediate release.
Fires, Arrests, and Tactical Alerts as Protests Turn Violent
The LAPD declared multiple unlawful assemblies as protests turned chaotic across downtown Los Angeles. Demonstrators shut down the 101 Freeway, waved flags, and clashed with police.
By late afternoon, officers reported several vehicles—including autonomous robotaxis—had been set ablaze near Los Angeles Street. LAPD warned the public to avoid the area due to toxic fumes from lithium-ion batteries.
“A number of people have been arrested,” LAPD said, noting that “less lethal munitions” had been approved for use near City Hall and Temple Street, where demonstrators blocked roads with bins and furniture.
Trump Justifies Deployment, Warns of More Force
President Trump, en route to Camp David on Sunday, defended his decision to federalize 2,000 National Guard troops for a 60-day mission in LA.
“We’re not going to let violent people get away with this,” Trump told reporters. “We’re going to have troops everywhere. It’s about law and order.”
Asked if the protests qualified as an insurrection, Trump replied:
“Not yet… but we’re watching very closely. If we see danger to our country or our citizens, we will act.”
In a striking remark, he added:
“They spit, and worse — you know what they throw. I said, ‘They spit, we hit.’ No one spits on our police or military.”
Newsom: ‘These Are the Acts of a Dictator’
Governor Newsom escalated his rhetoric, accusing the Trump administration of abusing federal authority for political gain.
“These are the acts of a dictator, not a President,” Newsom said, posting a video of Trump threatening to arrest officials who resist immigration enforcement.
Newsom’s legal counsel, David Sapp, also argued that the Guard’s deployment violates federal law requiring coordination with state governments.
“There is currently no need for the National Guard in Los Angeles. Deploying them in this unlawful manner is a serious breach of state sovereignty,” Sapp wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Harris Slams ‘Calculated Agenda of Fear’
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, a Los Angeles resident and Trump’s 2024 opponent, denounced the raids and military response as a “cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
“This Administration’s actions are not about public safety – they’re about stoking fear,” Harris posted on social media.
Waymo Halts Rides as Robotaxis Burn
Waymo suspended self-driving services in downtown LA after several autonomous vehicles were destroyed during the protests. A spokesperson confirmed operations would pause “until the area is deemed safe.”
LAPD reiterated safety warnings about lithium-ion battery fires, urging residents and protestors to evacuate affected zones.
LAPD: ‘Heavy Deployment’ Across Key Sites
Police Chief Jim McDonnell said LAPD was prepared for further unrest and had deployed a heightened force to federal buildings, City Hall, and parks where protests were planned.
“Some of them just got on the ground. We’re figuring out how this can work for the city, the county, and beyond. Our whole focus is on public safety.”
Trump Directs Federal Agencies to ‘Liberate’ Los Angeles from ‘Migrant Invasion’
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday declared that Los Angeles had been “invaded and occupied” by undocumented immigrants, directing the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Justice to take coordinated action to “liberate the city.”
Echoing language from his executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act, Trump accused gangs like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua of infiltrating American cities and called ongoing protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles an organized effort to obstruct federal law enforcement.
“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals,” Trump posted on social media. “Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations.”
Trump ordered Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to take “all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion.”
“Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free,” he declared.
Democratic Governors Slam Trump’s Guard Deployment
A coalition of 22 Democratic governors issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s unilateral federal activation of California’s National Guard.
“President Trump’s move to deploy California’s National Guard is an alarming abuse of power,” the statement read. “Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guard, and activating them without state consent is both ineffective and dangerous.”
The governors warned that threatening to deploy Marines on U.S. soil further erodes public trust and signals federal distrust in local law enforcement.
FBI Issues Warning: ‘We Will Not Forget’
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino warned violent protesters would face long-term legal consequences.
“We will be investigating and pursuing all available leads for assault on a federal officer,” Bongino posted on X. “We don’t need to catch every single perp—we just need to catch you.”
He added that investigations would continue even after the situation on the ground has calmed.
“We will not forget,” he said. “Even after you try to.”
Homeland Security Secretary’s Reversal Highlighted
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s current support for the National Guard’s federal deployment stands in contrast to her past statements. In February 2024, while still governor of South Dakota, she strongly opposed President Biden’s consideration of federalizing Texas’ National Guard amid a border dispute, calling it a “direct attack on states’ rights.”
Amnesty International: Trump ‘Crushing Dissent’
Amnesty International condemned the military deployment in Los Angeles as a dangerous overreach intended to intimidate civilians.
“This is not about protecting communities — it’s about crushing dissent and instilling fear,” said Executive Director Paul O’Brien. “Armed troops do not belong in our neighborhoods.”
He warned the deployment would escalate tensions and undermine core democratic values.
LA County Supervisor Urges Protest Restraint
Los Angeles County Board Chair Kathryn Barger, a Republican, called for peaceful demonstrations while reaffirming the right to protest.
“The right to protest is a fundamental constitutional freedom,” she posted on X. “But I urge all those who choose to protest to do so without resorting to violence or unlawful behavior.”
Barger emphasized her commitment to monitoring unrest and protecting both civilians and law enforcement.
Bernie Sanders: Trump ‘Does Not Believe in the Constitution’
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) accused Trump of authoritarianism in response to the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops.
“This guy wants all of the power. He does not believe in the Constitution or the rule of law,” Sanders said in an interview with CNN.
He criticized the decision to bypass both California’s governor and Los Angeles’ mayor, calling it unconstitutional.
DHS Defends Raids, Cites Arrests of Violent Criminals
The Department of Homeland Security defended its immigration enforcement efforts, stating that many arrested individuals were violent offenders.
Among those detained in Los Angeles, DHS cited:
- A Vietnamese man convicted of second-degree murder
- An Ecuadoran man convicted of cocaine trafficking
- A Filipino man convicted of sexual assault
“These rioters are fighting to keep rapists and murderers on our streets,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “They should be thanking ICE officers, not attacking them.”
Historical Context: Guard Deployment Not Without Precedent
The National Guard has been deployed to Los Angeles multiple times, including after the 1992 Rodney King verdict and in 2020 following protests over the killing of George Floyd. However, in those instances, the deployment was requested by state and local authorities.
The current deployment is the first without such a request since 1965.
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