Response to Anti-ICE Protests in Los Angeles

Los Angeles police have finally intervened in the rising anti-ICE protests as demonstrators attempted to block federal immigration agents from conducting raids aimed at arresting undocumented immigrants on Saturday.

The LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies clashed with protesters in downtown LA and in the nearby area of Paramount, California.

Due to the Sanctuary Act, local police officers in LA are prohibited from assisting the federal government in immigration enforcement.

Despite this, the LAPD deemed the downtown protest illegal last night and urged the crowd to disperse.

On the other hand, the state has begun deploying some of the 2,000 California State Guard personnel called upon by President Trump to help restore order.

Outside of the city proper, two individuals were arrested for allegedly assaulting a peace officer, with one reportedly throwing a Molotov cocktail that injured three deputies.

LA Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism, accused of inciting riots against ICE. After a violent incident on Friday, she stated that federal agents employed strategies that “sow fear into our community,” disrupting fundamental safety principles in the city.

Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that LAPD is not involved in enforcing immigration laws on citizens.

In response, Trump mobilized the California State Guard and called for a ban on masks at protests. Defense Secretary Heggs indicated that active-duty Marines might be deployed, arguing that using military personnel for law enforcement doesn’t breach the longstanding Posse Comitatus Act, as the targeted immigrants are considered foreign invaders.

Heggs pointed out that “violent mob attacks on ICE and federal law enforcement aim to obstruct the removal of illegal aliens,” describing them as a significant national security issue.

Trump remarked that violence against federal agents is unacceptable, asserting that the Department of Defense would mobilize the National Guard to support federal law enforcement efforts in Los Angeles.

Since the protests began on Friday, over 100 immigrants have been detained by ICE.

On Saturday, Trump confirmed the deployment of the National Guard in LA in response to the protests that surged after numerous arrests during an ICE operation.

Trump criticized California’s Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Bass, claiming that if they can’t handle the situation effectively, the federal government will take charge.

A memo from the President indicated that the National Guard personnel would be stationed for “60 days or at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense.”

As the situation escalated, Border Patrol deployed tear gas into the crowd, and fires broke out in both Downtown Los Angeles and Paramount.

Trump signed the deployment orders before attending a UFC fight in New Jersey, where he was seen ringside with boxer Mike Tyson.

In response to the federal deployment, Governor Newsom stated that taking control of the California State Guard is an inflammatory move that escalates the situation further. He remarked that city and county officials already have access to law enforcement resources and labeled the mission misguided, eroding public trust.