The Trump administration has announced the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to ongoing violent protests against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
In a post on X, spokesperson Leavitt shared that President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum to send 2,000 national security personnel, addressing what he described as “lawlessness that has developed.” He emphasized that the administration maintains a “zero-tolerance” stance on criminal activities.
Leavitt noted, “Recently, violent groups have targeted ICE officers and federal law enforcement carrying out essential deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These efforts are crucial to stop the influx of illegal activities happening in America.”
He criticized Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, for what he perceives as a failure to protect their citizens properly.
“This is why President Trump has authorized the deployment of 2,000 national security guards to tackle the chaos that has been allowed to persist,” Leavitt continued. “The Trump administration is firm about not tolerating criminal conduct and violence, particularly against law enforcement who are simply doing their jobs. Offenders will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice.”
In a separate post on X, Governor Newsom referred to the deployment of guards as “deliberately inflammatory.”
He expressed concern, stating, “The federal government is essentially taking control of the California State Guard and sending in 2,000 troops. This approach intensifies tensions unnecessarily.”
“LA officials already have access to support from law enforcement,” Newsom added. “We have been coordinating closely with the city and county. The security personnel are supposed to help LA during this time, but this mission misaligns with that goal and damages public trust.”
The administration’s decision comes amid rising tensions, with ICE agents involved in immigration enforcement actions that led to arrests and several confrontational protests. Just recently, over 40 individuals were detained following searches conducted outside a Home Depot.
Social media platforms displayed videos from Saturday showing protesters in Paramount, California, throwing objects at Border Patrol agents.
