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Activists

US President Trump Deploys National Guard to Los Angeles Amid Growing Protests

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Los Angeles, sparking violent clashes with law enforcement officers and National Guard troops, who were deployed by President Donald Trump in response to the city's immigration crackdown. The protests erupted on Friday, with the National Guard arriving on Sunday, leading to the blockade of a major freeway and the setting of self-driving cars on fire. A Nine News reporter, Lauren Tomasi, was hit by a rubber bullet while reporting on the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protests were sparked by the deployment of around 300 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, which California Governor Gavin Newsom deemed unlawful and called for Trump to withdraw.
  • Trump invoked a legal provision allowing him to deploy federal service members in response to "rebellion or danger of a rebellion" against the US government.
  • The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act restricts the use of active-duty US military forces for domestic law enforcement, but the law doesn't apply to state-controlled National Guard forces.
  • The California National Guard's 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, primarily a combat unit, has been deployed to support civilian authorities, with about 300 soldiers currently stationed in three locations in greater Los Angeles.
  • The US Northern Command has taken control of the National Guard and may dispatch Marines if protests intensify, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
  • Bernie Sanders condemned the order to deploy the Guard, saying it reflects a "president moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism" and "usurping the powers of the United States Congress."
  • LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that his officers are not working with federal agents on civil immigration enforcement and follow a long-standing policy that bars officers from stopping people solely to determine their immigration status.

Statistics:

  • Over 3,000 protesters have taken part in the demonstrations, with hundreds blocking a major freeway and setting self-driving cars on fire.
  • The National Guard has deployed around 300 soldiers to three locations in greater Los Angeles.
  • ICE has made approximately 2000 detentions per day nationwide, aiming to reach 3000 daily arrests as part of the administration's vow to carry out the largest deportation campaign in US history.
  • 118 ICE arrests were reported in the Los Angeles area last week.
  • Trump invoked a legal provision allowing for federal service member deployment in response to a possible rebellion or danger of a rebellion.

Sources:

  • The Brennan Centre for Justice
  • NBC News
  • The New York Times
  • US Northern Command statement
  • AP
  • Reuters

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