President Trump federalizes 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles to quell violent immigration protests, overriding California Governor Newsom in a rare move not seen since 1965.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following violent protests against immigration enforcement, bypassing state authorities in a rare federal action.
- Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as an “unnecessary breach of state sovereignty,” threatening legal action and requesting Trump return control of the Guard to California.
- Dozens of arrests occurred after protests against ICE raids turned violent, with vehicles set on fire and looting reported across Los Angeles.
- The federalization marks the first time since 1965 that a president has directly mobilized state troops without governor approval, raising significant constitutional questions.
- Trump’s administration has expanded ICE operations with a goal of 3,000 arrests daily as part of what he intends to be the largest deportation campaign in US history.
Presidential Authority Exercised in Response to Violence
President Trump made the decisive move to federalize 2,000 California National Guard troops this week in response to escalating violence during immigration protests in Los Angeles. The rare presidential action bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority, marking the first such federal override since the 1965 Watts riots. The deployment followed reports of significant violence against immigration enforcement officers, property destruction, and what Trump described as “violent, insurrectionist mobs” disrupting federal operations in the city.
National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles with a clear mandate to protect federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations, not to participate directly in raids or regular policing activities. The decision came after ICE reported confrontations with “over 1,000 rioters” during enforcement operations in Latino-populated areas of the city. Trump characterized the unrest as “a form of rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States,” justifying the extraordinary federal intervention.
Street Siege in LA: Immigration Protests Erupt into Riot as Rioters Trap CHP Below 101 Freeway
By @drkugler | https://t.co/FA5Tcn6fs7 | June 9, 2025
Downtown Los Angeles turned into a war zone this weekend as immigration protests spiraled into full-blown urban… pic.twitter.com/aVhTFjxfsU
— SubX.News® (@SubxNews) June 9, 2025
State Officials Push Back Against Federal Intervention
Governor Newsom immediately condemned the deployment and requested that Trump return control of the Guard to state authorities. “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty, inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re needed,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement addressing the situation. Newsom argued that local law enforcement resources were sufficient to handle the situation and suggested that the federal action only served to escalate tensions rather than resolve them.
“President Trump’s deployment of federalized National Guard troops in response to protests is unnecessary, inflammatory, and an abuse of power,” said Hina Shamsi, director of the National Security Project at the American Civil Liberties Union.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined Newsom in criticizing the deployment, emphasizing that the city’s police department was capable of maintaining order. Legal experts have raised concerns about the constitutionality of Trump’s action, suggesting it could face significant court challenges. The general prohibition on military forces acting as domestic police is deeply rooted in American tradition as a safeguard for liberty and civil rights, making this deployment particularly contentious.
Escalating Immigration Enforcement and Protests
The protests that triggered this federal response began after ICE conducted raids in several Latino-populated areas of Los Angeles, including Westlake and Paramount. These operations resulted in 44 unauthorized immigrants being arrested at a single job site and 77 more throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The raids are part of Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement strategy, which has significantly increased since his return to the White House, with ICE now targeting a goal of 3,000 arrests per day nationwide.
“violent, insurrectionist mobs,” said US President Donald Trump, describing the protesters who opposed federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
The situation in downtown Los Angeles escalated to the point where police declared it an “unlawful assembly” area following clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Officers employed flash-bang grenades and pepper spray to disperse crowds. The Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles and a Home Depot in Paramount became flashpoints for protests, with dozens of arrests reported as some demonstrations turned violent, including incidents of vehicle arson and looting in several neighborhoods.
U.S. Defense Secretary has indicated that if violence continues despite the National Guard deployment, there could be a potential mobilization of Marines to support federal operations further. This escalating response highlights the administration’s determination to proceed with what Trump has described as the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, with Los Angeles identified as a key target despite multiple legal challenges to many of his immigration initiatives.
