Trump Deploys Additional 2,000 National Guard Troops to Los Angeles Amid Ongoing Immigration Protests

The city of Los Angeles continued to be gripped by escalating tensions between authorities and protesters, with President Donald Trump ordering the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard troops in response to immigration raids. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have repeatedly criticized Trump's actions, accusing him of manufacturing a crisis and inciting chaos. As protests continued to mar the city, authorities used flash bangs and fired projectiles to disperse crowds, while protesters retaliated with water bottles and chants of "Shame."

Key Takeaways:

  • President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, bringing the total number of deployed troops to 4,000.
  • The National Guard will be called into federal service to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and enable federal law-enforcement officers to conduct their duties safely.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have criticized Trump's actions, accusing him of stroking his ego and manufacturing a crisis.
  • Newsom described the deployment as "reckless, pointless, and disrespectful to our troops," while Bass stated that it felt like the city is being used as a test case for the federal government's authority.
  • Earlier on Monday, Trump announced the deployment of about 700 active-duty Marines to help protect federal agents and buildings.
  • Marines from Camp Pendleton in Southern California will be sent to Los Angeles to support the National Guard.
  • Tensions in Los Angeles reached a fever pitch over the weekend due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, with protesters vandalizing buildings and setting cars on fire.

Statistics:

  • 4,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to Los Angeles, consisting of an initial 2,000 troops ordered by Trump on Sunday and an additional 2,000 troops recently deployed.
  • 2,000 National Guard troops are currently serving with the Department of Defense in Los Angeles.
  • 700 active-duty Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles to support the National Guard.
  • Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Los Angeles over the weekend to demonstrate against immigration raids.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellATSD), chief Pentagon spokesperson
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom
  • Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
  • The Daily Beast
  • U.S. Northern Command