Trump deploys National Guard as Hegseth threatens military response to LA protests

Los Angeles, California - President Donald Trump moved to deploy the National Guard in California as protests over violent immigration raids in Los Angeles continued.

The Trump administration will be deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to crack down on protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles.
The Trump administration will be deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to crack down on protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles.  © REUTERS

The protests began on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swarmed locations and businesses across the city, as part of Trump's mass deportation program.

Locals turned out in force to protect their communities as pitched battles ensued on Saturday, with police in riot gear firing so-called less-than-lethal ammunition rounds and spraying pepper spray.

As the Trump administration responded with threats of an even more violent crackdown, the president signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen "to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester."

Marjorie Taylor Greene unveils MAGA machine gun giveaway to celebrate America's 250th anniversary
Marjorie Taylor Greene Marjorie Taylor Greene unveils MAGA machine gun giveaway to celebrate America's 250th anniversary
Trump reveals bizarre pet name for wife Melania: "'Cuz it reminds me that I'm president!"
Donald Trump Trump reveals bizarre pet name for wife Melania: "'Cuz it reminds me that I'm president!"

"In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens," a White House statement said.

"The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned in a post on X that the US military may also be deployed.

Newsom blasts Trump for "sowing chaos"

Locals turned out in force to defend their communities as violent ICE raids continued all over Los Angeles.
Locals turned out in force to defend their communities as violent ICE raids continued all over Los Angeles.  © REUTERS

California Governor Gavin Newsom hit back at Trump's "purposely inflammatory" move, which he said "will only increase tensions."

"The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles – not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle," he wrote on X.

"Don't give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully."

Zohran Mamdani faces heat for identifying as African American on college application
Politicians Zohran Mamdani faces heat for identifying as African American on college application
Trump reportedly bragged that he is the one who leaked Elon Musk's alleged drug use to the media
Donald Trump Trump reportedly bragged that he is the one who leaked Elon Musk's alleged drug use to the media

Newsom accused the Trump administration of "sowing chaos so they can have an excuse to escalate. That is not the way any civilized country behaves."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said it was a difficult time for the city.

"Many in our community are feeling fear following recent federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County," she wrote on X.

ICE agents have been stalking communities across the US in an escalating attack on immigrants, who have being violently abducted in broad daylight and increasingly outside immigration courts.

Cover photo: REUTERS

More on Donald Trump: