National guard deployment sparks tensions amid immigration protests

Thursday 12 June 2025 - 14:04

By: Zahouani Ilham

National guard deployment sparks tensions amid immigration protests

The deployment of National Guard troops to protests in Los Angeles has heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement under the administration of President Donald Trump. Although trained to temporarily detain civilians, National Guard troops have not made any arrests, according to Major General Scott Sherman.

Protests erupted after immigration raids targeting businesses, including hardware stores in southern California, as part of Trump’s mass deportation policy. Demonstrators have since taken to the streets in major cities across the country.

General Sherman, speaking to reporters, said authorities expect unrest to grow nationwide. He revealed that 500 out of over 4,000 deployed troops have been trained to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The deployment has drawn criticism for bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. In response, Governor Newsom filed a legal motion to limit the military's activities to federal buildings. Meanwhile, President Trump has also sent nearly 700 Marines to the Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the administration’s actions, accusing Trump of using military force to instill fear and escalate the situation. She criticized the raids for targeting non-violent individuals and tearing families apart, calling the military response unnecessary and chaotic.

Alongside other California city leaders, Bass questioned whether Trump was testing the limits of presidential power. She suggested the situation could be an attempt to override state and local authority.

While Trump maintains the deployment was necessary to protect federal assets, he has not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow military involvement in domestic law enforcement. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the action, accusing Bass and Newsom of neglecting their duties and enabling lawlessness.

The administration continues its aggressive immigration stance, setting a goal of 3,000 arrests per day. Advocacy groups warn that ICE agents are targeting undocumented individuals indiscriminately, including those with no criminal records and strong community ties.

Raids have focused on places like Home Depot, where day laborers often wait for work. Despite the risks, many still show up due to economic necessity. Communication networks, including WhatsApp, alert workers about ICE activity.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that 61 Mexican nationals have been detained in recent raids. President Trump has labeled the migrant influx an “invasion,” using this rhetoric to justify emergency actions.

However, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, downplayed claims of a foreign invasion, noting no evidence of state-sponsored actors crossing the U.S. border, though acknowledging general border concerns.