National Guard Deploys to Los Angeles Amid Protests Over Immigration Actions

The U.S. National Guard deployed to Los Angeles on Sunday following days of protests against federal immigration enforcement actions. Confrontations occurred between troops and demonstrators outside a federal facility, with tear gas reportedly fired. This deployment, ordered by President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism from California state officials and comes amid heightened tensions over immigration policy.

This report details the events leading to the deployment, the confrontation, and the political reactions surrounding the situation.

National Guard Arrives and Faces Protesters

Approximately 300 members of the National Guard arrived in Los Angeles early Sunday. Later in the day, troops faced protesters outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Demonstrators reportedly shouted at Guard members who stood in formation behind riot shields. Tear gas was fired at the gathering crowd, although it was not immediately clear which law enforcement agency deployed it. No arrests were immediately apparent during this specific confrontation.

Members of the U.S. National Guard stand in formation with riot shields in Los Angeles.

Deployment Follows Days of Protest and Immigration Sweeps

The National Guard deployment came after two days of protests across the Los Angeles area. Protests began Friday in downtown Los Angeles and spread Saturday to the cities of Paramount and Compton.

These demonstrations were triggered by recent immigration enforcement actions by federal agents. Reports indicated that the week’s tally of immigrant arrests in the city had surpassed 100 before the weekend.

On Saturday, protesters confronted federal agents who were setting up a staging area near a Home Depot in Paramount. Demonstrators attempted to block federal vehicles, with some throwing rocks and chunks of cement. In response, agents in riot gear used tear gas, flash-bang explosives, and pepper balls. A union leader was also arrested during protests and accused of impeding law enforcement.

A protester stands near a line of U.S. National Guard outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Political Leaders React to Deployment

The decision by President Trump to deploy the National Guard without the request or permission of California’s governor sparked significant political debate.

Governor Newsom’s Objection

California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his objection to the deployment. He described the move as a “complete overreaction” and suggested it was intended to create a display of force. Newsom stated that the deployment occurred over his objections.

President Trump’s Justification

President Trump defended his decision, framing it as a necessary response to the unrest and alleging that state officials were failing to contain it. In a directive issued Saturday, Trump invoked a legal provision allowing the deployment of federal service members in situations of “rebellion or danger of a rebellion.” He stated he had authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members.

Speaking to reporters Sunday, Trump characterized people involved in the Los Angeles protests as “violent people” who would not “get away with it.” He asserted that there would be “very strong law and order.” Trump also commented on potential charges against California officials who might “stay in the way of law and order,” referencing a recent case involving a Wisconsin judge. Explore related coverage on [federal authority and state resistance].

Administration Officials and Congressional Views

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement criticizing California politicians and protesters, accusing them of “defending heinous illegal alien criminals.” She added that people should be thanking ICE officers.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also indicated the administration’s strong stance, threatening to deploy active-duty Marines to the region “if violence continues.”

The deployment drew contrasting reactions from lawmakers. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders characterized the order as reflecting a president “moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism” and “usurping the powers of the United States Congress.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, supported Trump’s action, stating that Governor Newsom had shown “an inability or an unwillingness to do what is necessary.”

Smoke fills a street as protesters confront Border Patrol personnel during a demonstration in Paramount, Los Angeles, on Saturday.

Context and Historical Precedent

The recent protests in Los Angeles have involved hundreds but are reportedly smaller in scale than other mass demonstrations, such as the widespread 2020 protests against police violence, during which Governor Newsom did request National Guard assistance.

The deployment of the National Guard by a president without a governor’s consent is rare. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the last time this occurred was in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to protect civil rights marchers in Alabama.

Confusion Regarding Arrival Timing

There was some confusion regarding the exact time the National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles. Late Saturday, President Trump posted a message congratulating the National Guard on a “job well done.” However, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated less than an hour later that the troops had not yet arrived in the city.

Conclusion

The deployment of the U.S. National Guard to Los Angeles on Sunday led to confrontations with protesters demonstrating against federal immigration enforcement actions. The move, ordered by President Trump, has intensified political tensions between federal and state authorities. The situation highlights ongoing debates over immigration policy, federal power, and the management of public demonstrations.

Explore related coverage on [US immigration policy] and [the role of the National Guard].