LA Protests Erupt as Trump Sends 2,000 National Guard Troops, Blames ‘Paid Troublemakers’

LA Protests: Tensions have flared across Los Angeles following a dramatic escalation by President Donald Trump, who has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city in response to large-scale protests sparked by immigration raids. The federal crackdown, carried out by ICE, has led to hundreds of arrests and ignited a fierce political clash between the White House and California’s leadership.

The unrest began after ICE agents detained 118 undocumented immigrants in a single day in LA, part of a broader nationwide operation involving thousands of arrests. The move triggered protests across the city, particularly near federal buildings and ICE facilities. Demonstrators, numbering in the thousands, clashed with law enforcement, who responded with flash-bang grenades and tear gas. Scenes of chaos unfolded in downtown Los Angeles and suburbs like Paramount, as protesters rallied against what they see as an unjust and heavy-handed approach to immigration enforcement.

President Trump, posting on Truth Social, defended the National Guard deployment and sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, calling them “incompetent” and accusing them of losing control of the situation. He further claimed that the violence was being incited by “paid troublemakers,” a term that has drawn backlash from activists and civil liberties advocates.

In a controversial move, Trump also announced that protesters would no longer be allowed to wear masks during demonstrations, questioning what people “have to hide.” This potential ban has already triggered legal concerns, with critics saying it infringes on First Amendment rights and protester safety.

Governor Newsom has condemned the deployment, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and counterproductive. He emphasized California’s capacity to manage its own affairs and promised to bolster state patrols rather than depend on federal troops. Similarly, Mayor Bass has labeled the deployment “completely unnecessary” and warned it could escalate tensions further. She reaffirmed her trust in local law enforcement and the city’s ability to handle public demonstrations peacefully.

The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security have also weighed in. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted that if violence persists, the situation could warrant the involvement of Marines from Camp Pendleton — a scenario many fear could turn a tense standoff into a full-scale crisis.

Meanwhile, arrests continue to mount. Federal officials and LAPD have confirmed multiple detentions related to protest activity, including violations of curfews and dispersal orders. While charges remain pending, authorities suggest more arrests could follow if unrest continues.

In a bold statement, Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, threatened legal consequences for state and local leaders who obstruct ICE operations. “It’s a felony to impede law enforcement,” Homan said, suggesting that Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass could be prosecuted if they attempt to block immigration raids.

As LA braces for what could be more days of unrest, the standoff between state and federal powers shows no signs of easing. With protesters digging in and political rhetoric heating up, the city stands at a crossroads — between order and upheaval, and between policy and people.