Trump boosts military presence in Los Angeles, deploys 700 marines
1. Los Angeles Still Rattled
The tense city of Los Angeles continues to simmer under the surface following recent protests. America's president decides to take things up a notch, sending an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to LA stirring a wave of criticism.
The Main Events in This Live Report
- Heightened Security Measures: The US government confirms its intention to thwart protesters with extra National Guard troops deployed by Trump.
- Threats Against Governor: The US President hints at Newsom's arrest, calling the idea "terrific."
- Blunt Criticism of Trump: An escalation of force in Los Angeles is slammed as an attempt to promote chaos by opponents.
Update, 7:17 AM: Amidst Los Angeles protests against Trump's immigration policies, a CNN crew found themselves targeted by local police. One officer ordered a CNN reporter to place their hands behind their back. This didn't lead to arrest due to their press credentials, as another officer clarified[5].
National Guard Stepped Up, L.A. Braced
Update, 6:18 AM: Amid mounting unrest in Los Angeles, President Trump intends to dispatch 2,000 more National Guard troops to the region. The BBC credits California Governor Gavin Newsom for this revelation[6]. The administration has agreed to this militarized expansion.
Update, 5:53 AM: Vice-President JD Vance comes to the government's defense, stating that they refuse to back down in the face of lawlessness. Agents from FBI, National Guard, local police, Marines, and ICE shall be protected as they enforce immigration laws[7].
Tuesday Tumultuous in Los Angeles
Update from June 10, 5:18 AM: Anti-Trump protests in Los Angeles have persisted through the night into Tuesday. Physically altercations between protesters and police resulted in the use of stun grenades and launched projectiles, while protesters responded with fireworks. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the National Guard deployment and the mobilization of over 700 Marines as chaos-causing tactics. She expressed concerns about being part of an unwanted experiment[8].
LA Marines Roll Out
Update, 10:46 PM: More than 700 Marines from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center have been mobilized to assist in handling Los Angeles protests. These forces join the thousands of National Guard troops activated by Trump over the weekend against the approval of both the California governor and Los Angeles mayor[9].
As the large-scale deployment of the National Guard makes headlines, the exact role of Marines in Los Angeles remains unclear. Though prohibited by the Constitution from performing police actions unless the Insurrection Act is invoked[10], there's concern about the potential for military intervention in U.S. cities.
Update, 10:30 PM: Before Trump's threat of Newsom's arrest, the Trump administration's "Border Czar" Tom Homan dismissed allegations as preposterous and accused an NBC reporter of dishonesty. Homan clarified that while he is of the opinion that no one is beyond the law, there are currently no active plans to arrest Gavin Newsom or Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, facing possible obstruction of immigration enforcement[11].
Trump Defends Nationwide Guard Deployment
Update, 8:20 PM: In response to criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, President Trump labelled the rioters responsible for disturbances during demonstrations as "agitators" and "terrible people." Trump took pride in deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles against the will of local authorities and declared that without such action, Los Angeles would have been completely ruined[12].
Governor and President Carry on War of Words
Update, 7:30 PM: Trump responded adversely to criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, hinting that he would favor arresting the governor, stating that it "would be great." Former Border Czar Tom Homan had earlier threatened to arrest Newsom if he interfered with ICE operations in California[13].
Update, 5:37 PM: In response to a provocation from the Trump administration, California Governor Gavin Newsom answered with belligerent rhetoric, reiterating "arrest me then. Let's get it over with." Homan had not ruled out the possibility of arresting Newsom or LA Mayor Karen Bass if they hindered immigration policies' enforcement[5].
LA Suburb Quiets Down
Update, 3:17 PM: After two consecutive nights of riots in Paramount, a Los Angeles suburb, tensions have subsided. Protests against the ICE agency have shifted to downtown Los Angeles, with the remaining protesters dispersing overnight[14]. The city's police presence, on alert due to the potential for further violence, remains high.
Newsom Labels Trump a "Cold Liar"
Update, 1:40 PM: In another media interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued serious allegations against President Trump and threatened legal action. Trump's deployment of the National Guard against the will of local authorities, according to Newsom, violates the Constitution and is the cause of renewed unrest during the protests in Los Angeles. Preparations for a lawsuit against the Trump administration are now underway[15].
LA Erupts, Trump Aims to Quell it with National Guard
In an attempt to counteract ongoing protests against ICE operations in Los Angeles, President Trump decides to send troops to quell the domestic turmoil. Over 300 National Guard soldiers are deployed, with automatic weapons and combat gear to protect federal buildings from vandalism, while 500 active-duty Marines stand ready to intervene if needed[6][10].
Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledges that the majority of demonstrators engage peacefully while expressing their First Amendment rights. However, the situation has been described as "out of control" due to increasing violence and clashes between protesters and security forces[16].
Political tensions in the region continue to escalate, with the Trump administration facing growing criticism from California officials for deploying National Guard troops against their wishes[14][17]. Protesters have called for further demonstrations in the coming days, citing a need to address ongoing issues with ICE enforcement and immigration policies[18].
- The escalation of force in Los Angeles, with the deployment of additional National Guard troops and the potential involvement of Marines, has sparked criticism in the general-news sphere as opponents view it as an attempt by the Trump administration to promote chaos.
- The political landscape remains tense, with the Trump administration's decisions on deploying the National Guard and hinting at the arrest of Governor Newsom being major topics of discussion in the realm of politics.
