The streets of Los Angeles have once again become a flashpoint of political and social tension as protests over President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement escalated over the weekend. The unrest, now entering its third day, saw National Guard troops deployed – a move California Governor Gavin Newsom fiercely condemned as “unlawful” and a violation of the state’s sovereignty.
Videos circulating online captured fiery scenes: Waymo self-driving cars set ablaze, protesters clashing with police, and demonstrators blocking major freeways like the 101. Protesters, many waving Mexican flags and holding signs against ICE raids, were met with mounted police, arrests, and federal reinforcements.
Governor Newsom didn’t hold back. He demanded the Trump administration withdraw the 2,000 National Guard troops ordered into LA County, calling the action unconstitutional. In an interview with MSNBC, he accused Trump of creating a crisis to justify a military presence. “These are the acts of a dictator, not a president,” he posted on X.
Trump, in typical fashion, fired back on social media, urging local authorities to crack down harder. “Don’t let these thugs get away with this. Make America great again!” he wrote, pushing for stronger enforcement even as violence flared.
The White House defended the decision, citing chaos and lawlessness as the primary reasons for federal intervention. But according to U.S. law, National Guard deployments under Title 10 require coordination with state governors – a detail that may put the legality of Trump’s move into question.
Despite the controversy, National Guard troops were seen flanking federal buildings alongside DHS personnel. Officials clarified that their role was limited to protecting federal property and personnel. Still, many fear the presence of troops may only heighten tensions.
LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the intensity of the situation. Though initially hesitant about involving the Guard, he said the violence over the weekend “demands reassessment.” By Sunday evening, at least 39 arrests had been made in connection with the protests.
The demonstrations, led by groups such as the Party for Socialism and Liberation, began peacefully but turned chaotic when some protesters allegedly hurled bottles and concrete at officers. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for a suspect who injured a federal officer by throwing rocks in Paramount.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that active-duty Marines from nearby Camp Pendleton were on “high alert” and ready to deploy if ordered. Trump has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act but didn’t rule it out.
Local leaders, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, pointed fingers at the Trump administration for inciting tension. “This is chaos, manufactured completely unnecessarily,” she said.
As legal residents and undocumented immigrants alike fear detainment, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the U.S. to pursue comprehensive reform instead of raids and militarization.
The battle over immigration enforcement in Los Angeles has become more than a local protest and it’s now a national flashpoint on power, rights, and who holds the authority in times of crisis.