Protests Erupt in Los Angeles Over Immigration Raids Amid National Guard Deployment

Clashes in Downtown Los Angeles

On June 9, over 200 demonstrators faced off against National Guard troops in downtown Los Angeles during protests against recent immigration raids that occurred across California over the weekend.

Witnesses reported that National Guard soldiers, alongside agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security, utilized tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the gathering. Some protesters and journalists were reportedly injured during the altercation.

"We aim to protest peacefully, but the administration has sent soldiers against us. Is this really necessary?" questioned one protester.

Following the confrontation, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for peaceful protests.

"California -- Don't give Donald Trump what he desires. Speak out, but remain peaceful and calm," Newsom stated in a social media post. "Avoid violence and respect the law enforcement officers working to maintain order."

National Guard troops, activated by the Trump administration, were seen arriving in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, as reported by local news.

This marks the first instance since 1965 that a president has mobilized a state's National Guard without the governor's request, according to Elizabeth Goitein, a senior director at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Footage showed troops stationed near City Hall and in areas like Paramount and Compton, where protests against federal agents and local police have been ongoing since Friday.

These clashes followed ICE raids in Southern California that began on Friday, igniting widespread protests. Despite local opposition, Washington confirmed plans to continue the raids.

The two-day operation led to over 100 arrests, inciting protesters to confront agents with tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and rocks.

In a significant move, President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to manage immigration protests in the Los Angeles area, exercising federal powers and bypassing Governor Newsom's authority.

Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were vocal critics of Trump's decision.

In a fundraising email, Newsom condemned the deployment, stating, "Last night, President Trump ordered the National Guard to Los Angeles under the pretext of protests against his immigration raids... The president is trying to provoke a reaction."

He warned that this show of force, along with the Pentagon's threats to deploy Marines domestically, could escalate tensions and lead to violence.

Mayor Bass shared similar sentiments in an interview, expressing disappointment over the necessity of deploying National Guard troops, asserting that the protests were manageable by local law enforcement.

"There were protests last night in Los Angeles -- my understanding is that there were about 120 protesters. Some committed acts of vandalism, but nothing occurred that the LAPD couldn't handle, making this deployment completely unnecessary," she remarked.