Trump Cranks Up the Pressure: National Guard Heads to L.A. in 24 Hours Amid Ongoing Protests
Military forces will deploy in Los Angeles within a day.
In the heat of demonstrations against his immigration policies, President Trump decides to take a hard stance by mobilizing the National Guard. These soldiers are set to touch down in the bustling city of Los Angeles within the next day, according to a high-ranking official. California's Governor, Newsom, swiftly accuses the White House of orchestrating a theatrical show.
Politics & Controversy L.A. Riots: The Trump Show? Typically, state governors control the National Guard, a military reserve unit that's a part of the U.S. armed forces. However, Trump's order to deploy them against the state's will signals a notable escalation.
Rocks and Arrests
Over the weekend, protests flared up against the security forces of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who had detained undocumented migrants for deportation. Reports indicate that some protesters hurled rocks at the security forces, with more than 120 arrests taking place on Friday and a larger number during Saturday's protests, primarily in Paramount, a neighbourhood predominantly inhabited by Latin American migrants.
Defense Minister Pete Hegseth even threatened to employ active troops if the violence in Los Angeles refuses to settle. The Marines at Camp Pendleton stand on high alert in the vicinity.
California's Governor Gavin Newsom, a democrat, lashes out against the government, branding the potential use of Marines on American soil against its citizens as "crazy" behaviour. He argues that the National Guard isn't being sent to Los Angeles due to a lack of law enforcement but rather to stage a spectacle. "Don't play their game," advises Newsom, "keep the peace, express yourself peacefully."
- Protests
- Immigration
- Demonstrations
- Donald Trump
- Violence
- Los Angeles
- Pete Hegseth
- USA
Historical Context & Implications The deployment of the National Guard by Donald Trump in response to the Los Angeles protests marks a significant event with both historical and political implications. Here's a brief overview:
Background
- Protests & Context: The deployment emerges in response to protests, including those related to an ICE raid on June 6, 2025, near the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles[3].
- Federal Action: President Trump's decision to deploy federalized National Guard troops is an unusual move in U.S. history, as typically, the National Guard is deployed with the consent of state governors[1]. This move has faced criticism as exploitation of power and an unnecessary measure, reflecting ongoing disagreements between Trump and California leaders, such as Governor Gavin Newsom[1].
Implications
- Political Tensions: The deployment amplifies political tensions between the federal government and California, a state that has often been at odds with Trump's policies[3].
- Legal & Constitutional Concerns: Critics argue that Trump's actions may conflict with federalism principles and the Posse Comitatus Act, restricting the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement[1].
- Public Reaction: The presence of federal troops could stoke tensions and negatively affect public trust in government[1].
- Military Presence: The inclusion of 1,700 National Guard members in Southern California, with plans for additional troops, signifies the substantial military presence in response to civil unrest[2].
Overall, Trump's decision symbolizes broader political and legal challenges in the U.S., representing a significant escalation in the use of federal power to address domestic protests.
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the political tension escalates in Los Angeles due to the deployment of the National Guard during the ongoing protests against immigration policies. This potentially sets a precedent for extensive military presence in response to civil unrest, raising legal and constitutional concerns.
In the midst of war-and-conflicts-like situations, such as the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, crime-and-justice issues could arise, necessitating the involvement of law enforcement agencies like the ICE. However, progressive governors, like Gavin Newsom, urge for peaceful demonstrations and argue against the politics that orchestrate theatrical shows, like the potential use of Marines on American soil against its citizens.
