Trump Deploys National Guard Amid ICE Protests

President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County Saturday as violent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations entered their second day, creating a tense standoff between federal authorities and demonstrators.

The deployment came after federal agents faced off against hundreds of protesters in the Paramount area of Los Angeles, where some demonstrators pelted government vehicles with rocks and concrete, shattering windshields and prompting law enforcement to deploy tear gas and flash-bang grenades.

Top Lists & Life Hacks You’ll Wish You Saw Sooner

Escalating Immigration Enforcement

The confrontations began Friday after ICE conducted multiple raids across Los Angeles, arresting more than 40 people at various locations including clothing warehouses, Home Depot stores, and a doughnut shop. According to Reuters, the Department of Homeland Security reported that approximately 1,000 protesters gathered outside federal buildings, with some engaging in vandalism and assaults on ICE agents.

ICE operations in Los Angeles this week resulted in the arrest of 118 individuals, including five gang members and those with criminal histories involving drug trafficking, assault, domestic violence, and robbery. Nationwide, federal agents arrested 2,000 undocumented immigrants during the same period as part of Trump’s expanded deportation campaign.

Federal Response Intensifies

Border Czar Tom Homan announced the National Guard deployment during a Fox News interview Saturday, stating authorities were mobilizing “to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Marines at nearby Camp Pendleton were “on high alert” and ready for deployment if violence continued.

FBI Director Kash Patel issued a stark warning to protesters, stating “if you assault a law enforcement officer, you’re going to jail—period,” according to Fox News. The bureau confirmed it would pursue federal prosecution against anyone attacking law enforcement officials.

Local Officials Push Back

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the National Guard deployment as “purposefully inflammatory,” arguing that local authorities were adequately managing the situation. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass characterized the federal enforcement actions as attempts to “sow terror” in the nation’s second-largest city.

The protests highlight the growing tension between Democratic-run California and Trump’s Republican administration, which has made immigration enforcement a centerpiece of his second term. According to The Washington Post, Newsom criticized the federal government for attempting to “take over the California National Guard” without state consultation.

Violent Confrontations Continue

Saturday’s protests in Paramount turned particularly volatile, with demonstrators setting a car on fire and federal agents deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. Border Patrol personnel in riot gear stood guard outside an industrial park as protesters gathered across the street, recording events on smartphones while chanting anti-ICE slogans.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department clarified that its personnel responded solely for “traffic and crowd control management” and were not involved in federal law enforcement operations. Several arrests were made after protesters allegedly assaulted federal agents, though exact numbers remain unclear.

Political Ramifications

The aggressive federal response represents a significant escalation of Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy, fulfilling campaign promises to crack down on sanctuary cities. The administration has enlisted personnel from multiple federal agencies and begun sending detained migrants to Guantánamo Bay Naval Base to increase detention capacity.

Immigrant rights advocates have filed numerous lawsuits challenging Trump’s policies, including his executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights described the raids as “random sweeps” conducted without proper warrants, though federal officials maintain all operations followed legal procedures.

Trending Tips & Lists You’ll Kick Yourself for Missing