President Trump authorized the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Called into federal service under 10 U.S.C. 12406, these units are intended to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and federal property from violent protests and disorder. The deployment is authorized for up to 60 days or longer as needed. The White House framed this move as necessary to address "lawlessness" and failure by local Democratic leaders to protect citizens.
This deployment occurred amid escalating tensions and fierce protests against federal immigration raids in Los Angeles. Clashes reportedly broke out after federal agents arrested over 100 immigrants in the city. Violent incidents included street battles where tear gas, flash-bang explosives, and rocks flew between protesters and Border Patrol personnel. A focal point was Paramount, a suburb where agents faced protesters who allegedly hurled cement blocks and set fires, with demonstrators demanding the release of detainees and chanting "ICE out of Paramount".
California Governor Gavin Newsom fiercely objected to the federal deployment, calling it "purposefully inflammatory" and warning it would escalate violence. Newsom also branded the president a "dictator" and accused the administration of deliberately creating a spectacle. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and state officials maintained that local law enforcement resources were sufficient to maintain order without federal military intervention. Mayor Bass described the protests as "relatively minor" and criticized the federal tactics as disruptive.
The Trump administration views the violent demonstrations as a "rebellion against the government’s authority". Beyond the National Guard, the Secretary of Defense was given authority to deploy regular active-duty military members if necessary to support the mission. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth specifically threatened to deploy active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton if unrest continued. President Trump also warned that California officials, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, could face arrest if they interfered with ongoing immigration enforcement operations. His border "czar," Tom Homan, confirmed that anyone obstructing ICE raids risks felony charges.
This standoff marks a sharp escalation in the immigration enforcement battle in California and reflects a broader battle over immigration policy and executive authority. Legal experts are reportedly debating the constitutionality of deploying troops under Title 10 against a state's will. Critics warn the move risks deepening divisions, while supporters say it sends a clear message about enforcing federal laws. Some commentary in the sources suggests Trump deliberately inflamed the situation and wants violence so he can use the military against protesters.
In addition to the events in Los Angeles, Miguel Uribe Turbay, a presidential candidate in Colombia, was shot and critically wounded during a campaign event in Bogota. This attack sent shockwaves through Colombia's political atmosphere and led to calls for leaders to tone down inflammatory rhetoric.
Separately, Israeli naval forces intercepted and seized a boat carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg as it attempted to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The vessel aimed to deliver symbolic aid, but Israeli officials dismissed it as a publicity stunt supporting Hamas. These events contribute to a feeling that the world is in chaos, according to one source.
