California governor challenges Trump’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles

Monday 09 June 2025 - 10:03

By: Zahouani Ilham

California governor challenges Trump’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles

California National Guard troops were sent to Los Angeles streets on Sunday amid ongoing protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The state's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, condemned the deployment as illegal.

Police continued to make arrests, with at least 10 on Sunday and 29 the previous night, according to Los Angeles police. Authorities declared multiple demonstrations unlawful, citing instances of protesters throwing concrete, bottles, and other objects at officers. Footage showed some Waymo autonomous vehicles set on fire downtown.

Mounted police attempted to control the crowds as demonstrators shouted insults and some obstructed major highways. Protesters, many waving Mexican flags and criticizing U.S. immigration enforcement, gathered across the city. The Party for Socialism and Liberation organized a rally near City Hall.

Governor Newsom said he asked the Trump administration to rescind the order for 2,000 National Guard troops, calling it an overreach of authority and a violation of California’s sovereignty. Newsom threatened legal action, accusing Trump of manufacturing a crisis and acting like a dictator.

Police Chief Jim McDonnell expressed concern over escalating violence and considered the National Guard’s involvement necessary. President Trump echoed this stance on social media, demanding law enforcement act decisively.

The White House defended the deployment, blaming protesters for chaos and lawlessness. About 300 National Guard members were assigned to protect federal property in the area, alongside Homeland Security agents.

Trump condemned protesters as violent and promised strong responses, including cabinet directives to end riots. He threatened force against those disrespecting police or troops, while declining to invoke the Insurrection Act for now.

Defense officials prepared active-duty troops for possible deployment if violence persists. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the federal government for escalating tensions but also condemned violent protesters.

Advocacy groups accused the administration of using the situation to justify power abuses and force confrontations. Homeland Security assured protection for peaceful demonstrators and law enforcement.

Trump remains committed to strict immigration enforcement and deportations amid the unrest.