Trump orders the deployment of National Guard units in California
Helping Hand from the Feds
In the hotbed of ongoing protests against ICE immigration enforcement in LA, President Donald Trump has drafted 2,000 National Guard soldiers to quell the unrest. As per White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, this move is to put an end to the "chaos" in the region. Trump, as the Commander-in-Chief, ensures the laws of the United States are enforced.
In the United States, the National Guard falls under state jurisdiction in regular times. However, a presidential deployment signals a significant escalation. California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, has voiced vehement opposition to Trump's actions.
The National Guard is a military reserve unit and forms part of the U.S. armed forces. Each state boasts its own National Guard, which can be mobilized for emergencies like wildfires, tornadoes, or floods. They report to the respective governor. In times of war or national emergencies, the U.S. President can assume command. Currently, the U.S. boasts over 325,000 National Guard members.
Trump vs. California's Top Dog
Before the White House declaration, Trump had already hinted at federal interference. If Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass failed to address the situation adequately, Trump threatened the federal government would swoop in to deal with "riots and looters," as he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Instead of addressing Newsom by his last name, Trump opted for the disrespectful moniker "Newscum," a playful insult derived from a German swear word.
Newsom responded by stating on the X platform that the authorities in the LA district and city saw no need for National Guard intervention and could summon reinforcements if necessary. This move, he warned, would intentionally escalate the situation, further eroding public trust.
Week-Long Unrest - Gassing It Up
Protests against ICE enforcement actions have raged in the LA area since last Friday. ICE agents aimed to detain migrants, allegedly to meet Trump's objective of deporting more individuals. The White House labeled these actions as "routine deportation operations." ICE agents confronted protesters in full riot gear, including shields and helmets, and tear gas was employed.
Mayor Bass and the local police have distanced themselves from the ICE operations, much like many other cities controlled by Democrats, who refuse to collaborate with the federal agency to facilitate deportations. While Republicans support Trump's planned mass deportations, the Democrats are steadfast in their opposition.
118 Migrants Taken In
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, around 1,000 protesters allegedly assaulted ICE officers on Friday. Local police intervened only after two hours, with the department criticizing the delay. In the course of the week, 118 individuals without valid residence permits were apprehended in LA, including gang members and those with criminal records.
Attorney General Pam Bondi warned on X that anyone obstructing or attacking law enforcement would face prosecution. FBI Director Kash Patel also threatened to dispatch his agents.
Sources:1. The Washington Post2. The New York Times3. Reuters4. CNN
- Trump's decision to deploy National Guard soldiers to quell the ongoing protests against ICE immigration enforcement in LA falls under the category of 'politics' and can be linked to 'war-and-conflicts', as the unrest is a form of conflict.
- The escalation of the situation, including the deployment of National Guard troops, the threat of federal intervention, and the potential use of force against protesters such as tear gas, is relevant news pertaining to 'general-news'.
