National Guard troops clashed with protesters in Los Angeles after President Trump deployed them over state objections.
LOS ANGELES (WE) — Tear gas sliced through the morning heat in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, marking a dramatic escalation between demonstrators and government forces. The confrontation unfolded shortly after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of roughly 2,000 California National Guard troops—despite strong opposition from both Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
As hundreds gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, protesters chanted slogans like “go home” and “shame.” Tensions escalated when demonstrators moved close to troops standing shoulder to shoulder behind riot shields. Moments later, canisters of tear gas were launched, dispersing the crowd into nearby streets.
Although it remains unclear which agency fired the gas, the scene grew chaotic. Some demonstrators were tackled by officers; others appeared injured. One protester bled visibly from the head. Meanwhile, loud popping noises echoed off buildings as law enforcement advanced further into the intersection.
The catalyst for the protests came earlier in the week, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents arrested over 100 undocumented immigrants in a series of raids. Notably, several arrests occurred in Paramount, a working-class, Latino-majority city just south of Los Angeles.
On Saturday, as federal agents staged near a Home Depot in Paramount, protesters attempted to block enforcement vehicles. In response, agents deployed flash-bang grenades, pepper balls, and additional tear gas. As a result, multiple activists were injured, and one prominent labor leader was arrested.
Despite the rising tensions, both Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass condemned the president’s decision to activate the Guard. Newsom described the deployment as “a complete overreaction,” while Bass said it was “a provocation, not a solution.” Both emphasized that local law enforcement had not requested additional military support.
Indeed, this marked the first time in decades that the National Guard was federalized without a governor’s consent. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the last instance occurred in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to Alabama during the Selma civil rights marches.
In a statement released Saturday, Trump invoked legal authority under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allows federal deployment during “rebellion or threat against U.S. authority.” The president claimed California leaders were protecting “dangerous undocumented immigrants involved in criminal activity” instead of safeguarding American citizens.
Later that day, while preparing to board Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, Trump doubled down. He told reporters, “We’re gonna have troops everywhere. We’re not going to let our country be torn apart like it was under Biden.” He further warned that state officials who obstructed immigration enforcement might face prosecution.
In contrast, critics from both parties expressed alarm. Senator Bernie Sanders called the order authoritarian. He argued the president was bypassing Congress and eroding democratic norms. Similarly, Senator Cory Booker condemned the move as “political theater disguised as public safety.”
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Nevertheless, Trump received support from House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson accused Newsom of “failing to act” and praised the president’s “swift leadership.” In his view, federal intervention was necessary to restore order and enforce immigration laws.
Meanwhile, inside Los Angeles, confusion reigned about the Guard’s arrival. Shortly before midnight on Saturday, Trump posted a congratulatory message on social media, thanking troops for a “job well done.” However, within the hour, Mayor Bass issued a public statement saying no troops had yet arrived. The mixed messaging added further uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
In a follow-up statement on Sunday, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, defended the president’s actions. She accused California leaders and protesters of “shielding criminals” and undermining public safety. “Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day,” she said.
As the day unfolded, additional details emerged. Troops included members of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, part of the California Army National Guard. Clad in camouflage and body armor, many of them had recently returned from overseas deployments.
The potential for even greater escalation loomed as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled readiness to deploy active-duty U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton. “If violence continues,” Hegseth said, “we will not hesitate to use every tool available.”
Despite this, several protests remained peaceful. In Boyle Heights, activists gathered at Mariachi Plaza, waving signs and playing music. Notably, no troops were present there. One protester in their 70s, a retired high school teacher, said, “This isn’t about riots.” It’s about dignity.”
In addition, immigrant rights groups and civil liberties organizations voiced serious concerns. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement calling the troop deployment “an egregious violation of constitutional principles.” They warned of “a chilling effect” on free speech and protest.
Meanwhile, international reaction was swift. The Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed that at least 24 detainees were Mexican citizens. President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico expressed “deep concern” over the raids and urged the U.S. to respect human rights.
Across the city, minor clashes continued into the night. Protesters returned to intersections near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and the LAPD’s Central Division. Officers worked side-by-side with military personnel, though some City Council members warned this violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
From a legal standpoint, constitutional scholars remain divided. Some point to Perpich v. Department of Defense, a 1990 case that upheld the president’s ability to activate the Guard. However, others argue that the case involved training, not protest control.
Looking ahead, civic leaders called for de-escalation. The Los Angeles City Council scheduled an emergency meeting to review the legality of the deployment. Mayor Bass urged calm and emphasized that “this city belongs to its people, not to armed soldiers.”
Despite calls for peace, Trump’s tone remained combative. In a social media post Monday morning, he referred to protesters as “thugs and criminals” and warned that federal operations would continue “until the streets are safe again.”
As Los Angeles enters a new week, residents remain on edge. The presence of armored vehicles and troops outside civic buildings has stirred memories of past crackdowns. Nevertheless, many Angelenos continue to gather, chant, and march peacefully—determined, they say, to show that dissent is not disorder.
In summary, the federal troop deployment has reignited a national debate about power, protest, and presidential authority. Whether this moment will be remembered as a defense of law or a betrayal of democracy remains to be seen.
