Tensions over this week’s mass immigration raids across Southern California erupted into chaos. In response, President Donald Trump responded by ordering the deployment of National Guard troops late Saturday night. This unprecedented step is a first in history. It’s the first time since the 1992 LA riots that any American president has chosen to federalize the National Guard. As protests erupted in reaction to the immigration crackdown, many critics expressed alarm over the implications for civil liberties and democracy.
The deployment follows Trump’s decades-long pledge to escalate immigration enforcement in every corner of the U.S. He has long and often campaigned on anti-immigrant bigotry. This style has civil rights activists worried about an authoritarian slide in the event he wins a second term in office. The unrest in Los Angeles began when law enforcement officials initiated immigration raids, leading to clashes with protesters who took to the streets to voice their opposition.
Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, confirmed the federal government’s plan to deploy the troops, stating on social media that it represented an overt takeover of the state’s National Guard. He described the potential mobilization of U.S. Marines in Los Angeles as “deranged,” reflecting a growing unease about military presence in civilian areas.
In ordering the National Guard to move in, Trump may have taken a worrisome step toward even more dangerous escalation. He characterized the ongoing protests as driven by “Radical Left instigators and often paid troublemakers,” adding that masks would not be permitted at protests. The President’s message was unmistakable, and he vowed in no uncertain terms that his administration would not accept violence against federal agents and facilities. He proclaimed, “It’s COMMON SENSE.”
Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, indicated that National Guard troops would arrive within approximately 24 hours. He warned those involved in violence during the protests, stating, “We will identify you, we will come find you, and we will get you.” This announcement comes in the wake of a dramatic and chaotic time, during which police deployed tear gas on protesters outraged by the immigration raids.
Peaceful protest turned to anger as tensions escalated in an area of downtown Los Angeles. Protesters united to stand against the deplorable treatment faced by immigrants. David Huerta, a community leader, articulated the sentiments of many demonstrators:
“Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice.” – David Huerta
Providing most vocal opposition has been Rep. Senator Bernie Sanders claimed that Trump’s actions are an immediate danger to American democracy and that they include,
“We have a president who is moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism. He does not believe in the rule of law.” – Bernie Sanders
In the face of a growing militarization of local police forces in response to civil protests, Pete Hegseth was worried. He warned that should the violence continue, active-duty Marines may be brought in. He sounded the alarm that as of right now, their situation at Camp Pendleton is on high alert.
The stage for these events includes an extensive history of civil unrest due to police violence in Los Angeles. The recent protests echo the widespread violence that followed the acquittal of four police officers involved in the brutal beating of Black motorist Rodney King over three decades ago.