President Trump deploys National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid violent protests, overriding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections in an unprecedented exercise of federal authority to restore order.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles, marking the first time in decades a state’s National Guard was activated without the governor’s request.
- Protesters blocked major freeways, set self-driving Waymo cars on fire, and engaged in acts of vandalism, leading law enforcement to use tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowds.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as a “serious breach of state sovereignty” and challenged Trump’s border czar Tom Homan to arrest him for opposing federal immigration enforcement.
- At least 56 people have been arrested amid the protests, with charges including failure to disperse, while 500 Marines remain on standby at Twentynine Palms.
- The National Guard deployment was confirmed by U.S. Northern Command, with troops already on the ground and more arriving progressively.
Trump Takes Decisive Action as Los Angeles Descends into Chaos
National Guard troops have officially arrived in Los Angeles following President Donald Trump’s direct order to deploy military forces to quell escalating unrest in the city. The U.S. Northern Command confirmed that California National Guard members “are already on the ground” with additional forces continuing to arrive. This deployment comes after days of increasingly violent protests that saw demonstrators blocking major freeways, setting vehicles ablaze, and clashing with law enforcement throughout the metropolitan area. The president cited a legal provision allowing deployment of federal service members in response to what he characterized as a rebellion requiring immediate intervention.
Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members, with approximately 500 Marines also placed on standby at Twentynine Palms. This marks a significant escalation in federal response to the situation in Los Angeles, where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in opposition to immigration enforcement actions. Law enforcement officials have declared unlawful assemblies in multiple locations after protesters began engaging in destructive behavior, necessitating the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs to regain control of affected areas. The situation represents a clear test of federal authority versus state sovereignty.
State-Federal Power Struggle Intensifies
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vocally opposed the federal intervention, describing it as a “serious breach of state sovereignty” and challenging the legal basis for the deployment. The governor’s opposition represents a significant political and constitutional conflict, as this deployment marks the first time in decades that a state’s National Guard has been activated without a governor’s request. Newsom has directly challenged Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, publicly stating, “Trump’s border czar is threatening to arrest me for speaking out. Come and get me, tough guy.”
“Trump wanted to create a ‘spectacle’,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The confrontation between state and federal authorities has added another layer of tension to an already volatile situation. President Trump directed his Cabinet to take actions to “liberate Los Angeles” from what he termed a “Migrant Invasion,” framing the deployment as necessary to restore law and order. The president has characterized the protesters as “violent people” who require a firm response. This stance has resonated with supporters who view the deployment as a necessary step to restore order in a city experiencing significant unrest, while critics argue it represents federal overreach and an attempt to militarize immigration enforcement.
National Guard Troops on the Ground in LA Amid Protests and Riots#LosAngeles https://t.co/sJhmvLINkD
— Siyamak Khorrami (@SiyamakKhorrami) June 8, 2025
Law Enforcement Response and Public Safety Concerns
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has maintained a balanced approach, acknowledging federal authorities’ right to enforce immigration laws while emphasizing his department’s focus on maintaining public safety rather than immigration enforcement. “Federal authorities have the right to be able to do what they’re doing,” McDonnell stated, while clarifying about immigration enforcement that “We don’t engage in that activity.” The police chief has emphasized the need for lawful conduct from all parties involved, warning that violence will not be tolerated regardless of the perpetrator.
“An act of violence, whether toward officers, demonstrators or the public, will be met with swift and lawful action,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
The protests have resulted in at least 56 arrests on charges including failure to disperse, with more expected as demonstrations continue. A particularly concerning incident involved a van driver who was arrested after allegedly veering toward protesters, with reports of gunfire coming from the vehicle. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has warned that federal investigations will target anyone committing violence against federal officers. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has assured the public that National Guard troops are specifically trained for crowd control situations, emphasizing their preparedness for the current deployment.
Political Fallout and National Implications
The situation in Los Angeles has sparked nationwide political reactions, with political organization 50501 planning solidarity protests across the country. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has criticized the immigration arrests and National Guard deployment as part of a “cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.” Her comments reflect the deep political divisions surrounding immigration policy and federal enforcement actions. Amnesty International and other civil rights organizations have condemned the use of military force, viewing it as an attempt to suppress legitimate dissent rather than maintain public safety.
“National Guard troops were confirmed to be in Los Angeles after President Donald Trump ordered their deployment over the weekend, following days of protests and riots in the city,” stated U.S. Northern Command.
The city of Glendale has responded to the controversy by ending its agreement to hold federal immigration detainees, citing divisive public perception. This local policy change highlights how federal immigration enforcement actions are affecting local governance decisions across the region. As National Guard troops continue to arrive and establish positions at federal facilities including the Metropolitan Detention Center, the situation remains fluid with the potential for continued protests and confrontations. President Trump’s decisive action represents a clear message that federal authority will be exercised to maintain order when state and local officials are unable or unwilling to do so.
