Chaos in LA: Trump Sends National Guard Against ICE Protests Defying Governor's Wishes
- ~5 min
Military forces mobilized under Trump's orders, opposing the governor's decision - Trump Deploys National Guard Disregarding Governor's Preferences.
US President Donald J. Trump has took a controversial step by deploying military forces to quell protests against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in the Golden State of California. Opposed by Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump mobilized at least 2,000 National Guard soldiers, with defense secretary Pete Hegseth hinting at more troops if needed.
Newsom firmly believes this move intentionally worsens the situation and encourages further chaos. He emphasizes that the National Guard's role doesn't include such interventions and could potentially harm public trust. He urged protesters to remain peaceful and not justify heavy-handed reactions by the government.
Tempers flared over the weekend in the LA region as ICE officers targeted undocumented immigrants for deportation. Some demonstrators pelted security with rocks, and clashes ensued. The Department of Homeland Security, under Trump, labeled the situation as a "significant escalation."
National Guard Deployed - A Potential Breach of Protocol
Soldiers have been ordered to end lawlessness in LA, according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. As commander-in-chief, Trump commits to uphold federal laws and promises their enforcement. The official statement indicated that the National Guard would remain on duty for 60 days or as long as deemed necessary by the defense secretary.
In normal circumstances, the National Guard falls under state control. Bypassing state wishes to deploy troops marks a significant escalation. Should the Defense Department mobilize regular military forces to assist, as suggested by Hegseth, it would be a further breach of protocol.
The National Guard is a state-specific military reserve unit and part of the U.S. Armed Forces. Traditionally, they respond to natural disasters or domestic unrest and are supervised by the respective governor. During times of war or national emergencies, the president takes command. The U.S. has over 325,000 National Guard members in total.
Senate Voices Concerns - "Unprecedented" Move
California's senior U.S. Senator, Adam Schiff, criticized the deployment as "unprecedented." He claimed that the move was meant to bolster conflict and escalate the situation. Schiff cautioned against violence, hinting that Trump might capitalize on such confrontations to justify armed rule.
Immediately before the White House announcement, Trump personally insinuated that intervention would be necessary if LA's leadership failed to act properly. Instead of using Newsom's last name, Trump referred to him as "Newscum" - a play on words mocking the German term "scum."
This insult highlights the political undertones of the dispute. Newsom is a prominent Democrat and considered a potential candidate for his party's 2028 presidential nomination. Additionally, Newsom governs a state with a massive economic influence – home to nearly 40 million residents, over 10% of the US population.
Trump, famous for his tough immigration stance, may gain political advantages from the focus on California. He's faced criticism regarding his public fallings-out with tech billionaire Elon Musk and his financial and budgetary decisions.
Historical Parallels - Escalating Tensions and Protests
During Trump's first term, protests against racism broke out across the U.S. following the killing of African American George Floyd by police in 2020. Trump reacted by massively deploying security forces, including the National Guard in the capital Washington - which is under federal control.
Since the weekend, protests in LA against ICE raids have utilized tear gas, rubber bullets, and resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened to prosecute those obstructing or assaulting authorities, while the FBI Director Kash Patel also hinted at agent deployment.
Trump's deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, warned of a "violent uprising" against the state. He praised the deployment of the National Guard, declaring, "We will take back America."
- The current political situation in California, involving the deployment of the National Guard against ICE protests, falls under the category of 'politics' and 'general news'.
- The escalation of the situation in Los Angeles, with the potential involvement of regular military forces in immigration law enforcement, raises concerns about 'policy-and-legislation' and could indicate a breach of protocol, falling under 'war-and-conflicts'.
- The ongoing demonstrations in California, characterized by clashes between protesters and security forces, are linked to issues of 'crime-and-justice', particularly related to immigration policies and the role of the government.
