Chaos in Los Angeles: National Guard Deployed Amid Fiery Protests Over Immigration Raids
June 9, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA
The Trump administration has deployed the California National Guard in response to escalating protests in Los Angeles that erupted Friday night and continued into Sunday, following a wave of immigration enforcement operations across the state. The protests, marked by street blockades, clashes with police, and vehicle fires, prompted a sharp political standoff between state and federal leaders.
According to a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guardsmen to quell what the administration called “lawlessness” in California. “This is a necessary step to restore order and protect public safety,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Protests Turn Violent
What began as demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids quickly escalated into chaotic scenes throughout downtown Los Angeles. Protesters blocked streets, including the 101 Freeway, threw projectiles at police, and set multiple vehicles ablaze — including a Waymo autonomous vehicle that was left covered in graffiti and engulfed in flames near the Metropolitan Detention Center.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared all of downtown an unlawful assembly, urging demonstrators to disperse. “Agitators have splintered into and throughout the downtown area,” the LAPD posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Residents, businesses and visitors to the Downtown Area should be alert and report any criminal activity.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell expressed frustration during a Sunday press briefing:
“It’s disgusting. Tonight we had individuals out there shooting commercial-grade fireworks at our officers — that can kill you.”
At least 60 people were arrested, and two LAPD officers were reported injured after being struck by motorcyclists. The southbound lanes of the 101 Freeway remain closed due to ongoing unrest.
Trump Calls Protesters “Paid Insurrectionists”
President Trump, speaking from Camp David, weighed in on the unrest via Truth Social, labeling the demonstrators as “paid insurrectionists” and demanding apologies from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“These are troublemakers and insurrectionists,” Trump wrote. “Paid to destroy our cities. The people of Los Angeles deserve better.”
The President’s remarks came hours after the FBI announced it was seeking a suspect accused of throwing rocks at police during the demonstrations.
Newsom and Bass Push Back
Governor Gavin Newsom, who visited Los Angeles law enforcement leadership during the height of the protests, issued a fiery rebuke of the federal deployment.
“This is an attempt to take over the California National Guard. It’s inflammatory and dangerous,” he said on social media. “We’re here to keep the peace — not play into Trump’s political games.”
Mayor Karen Bass echoed the criticism, warning that the deployment of federal troops would only escalate tensions.
“Deploying federalized troops is a dangerous escalation,” Bass said during a press conference. “It’s not about public safety. It’s about pushing another agenda. There is clearly no plan and no policy.”
Still, Bass condemned the violence, stating,
“If you’re going to entertain violence or try to take over a freeway, you will suffer the consequences.”
National Tensions Flare
The situation in Los Angeles has drawn national attention and political commentary. Former Vice President Kamala Harris called the Trump administration’s response “a cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.” In a post on X, she added:
“This dangerous escalation is meant to provoke chaos — not prevent it.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) confirmed that 500 Marines are currently on standby for potential deployment to the Los Angeles area, heightening concerns of further militarization of the crisis.
What’s Next?
As of Monday morning, tensions remain high in Los Angeles, with a visible National Guard presence and a city on edge. Federal and local officials are expected to hold additional briefings as demonstrations are likely to continue.
Whether the deployment of troops will restore order or further inflame the unrest remains a critical question — one that could have lasting consequences in a deeply divided political climate.
