Los Angeles braces for continued immigration enforcement operations amid ongoing protests and National Guard deployment. The city experienced a weekend marked by violent clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted large-scale raids on Friday.
In response to the unrest, President Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops, who arrived downtown Sunday. Protesters engaged with Guard members near the Metropolitan Detention Center, where video footage showed the use of tear gas and non-lethal rounds by troops to disperse crowds.
Protests have erupted across Los Angeles County, including Westlake, downtown, and Paramount, with several incidents turning violent. Federal officials reported injuries to multiple federal officers during clashes on Friday and Saturday.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated Sunday that 39 arrests were made over the weekend. Addressing accusations of a delayed police response, McDonnell clarified the LAPD’s limitations under California’s Values Act (SB 54), which bars local police from participating in federal immigration enforcement. He also noted that federal authorities often withhold information from local agencies prior to operations.
Despite the unrest, the Trump administration reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing enforcement. Democratic Representative Nanette Barragán said ICE operations are expected daily in L.A. County for the next month.
Trump announced the National Guard deployment Saturday night, describing the protests as “violence, clashes and unrest.” He criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their handling of the situation, labeling protesters “troublemakers and insurrectionists.”
A Presidential Memorandum authorized the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops, mainly from California’s Guard. The Department of Defense confirmed 300 troops were active in Los Angeles on Sunday, with 500 Marines on standby for reinforcement.
Governor Newsom condemned the deployment as “purposefully inflammatory,” accusing the federal government of escalating tensions for spectacle. He formally requested the troop withdrawal, emphasizing state and local authorities are best suited to manage the situation. Newsom was seen meeting with local law enforcement Sunday, pledging to maintain peace and avoid political gamesmanship.
Mayor Karen Bass called the Guard deployment a “chaotic escalation,” urging peaceful protest to avoid further risk to communities. Former Vice President Kamala Harris echoed concerns, describing the National Guard presence as a dangerous provocation.
Protests resumed Sunday afternoon with clashes near the Metropolitan Detention Center. Demonstrators threw projectiles, prompting police to declare an unlawful assembly and issue dispersal orders. Two officers were injured after motorcyclists attempted to breach police lines.
Protesters vandalized and set fire to several Waymo driverless vehicles downtown, and blocked streets using barricades, trash bins, and street signs. Fires, fireworks, and graffiti damaged numerous buildings, including the LAPD headquarters and the U.S. Courthouse.
Over 100 deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office were deployed to assist local police, alongside California Office of Emergency Services support. Similar unrest in San Francisco resulted in arrests and property damage as police declared unlawful assemblies.
Protesters briefly blocked the 101 Freeway, forcing California Highway Patrol to close the highway. Officers deployed smoke canisters to disperse crowds after projectiles and fires endangered officers and vehicles. The freeway closure was expected to remain until debris removal could be completed.
In Pasadena, a small gathering formed after reports of federal agents at a hotel, though no enforcement actions were confirmed. The mayor urged calm and peaceful expression.
The protests stemmed from Friday’s immigration raids across multiple L.A. neighborhoods, where ICE arrested over 100 undocumented immigrants. Federal search warrants were served at three locations downtown, sparking immediate demonstrations.
LAPD formed riot lines as protesters threw objects, with some delays reported in police response times. Federal officials confirmed ICE requested local assistance multiple times during Friday’s operations.
Saturday’s protests centered in Paramount and Compton, with law enforcement deploying tear gas and non-lethal munitions to control crowds. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office now assists ICE with perimeter security but does not partake in immigration enforcement efforts.
ICE defended the raids, highlighting arrests of serious offenders, and criticized politicians for inflaming tensions. The department described recent violence as dangerous riots rather than peaceful protests.
As Los Angeles faces continued enforcement actions, city leaders call for calm while tensions remain high between communities, law enforcement, and federal authorities.
Related topics:
- Trump Sends 2,000 More National Guard Troops to L.A.
- National Guard Patrolling Los Angeles as Immigration Protests Escalate
- Immigration Minister Defends Sweeping Powers in New Border Security Bill
