Numerous Democrats have voiced their criticism of President Trump for deploying thousands of National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area amid ongoing immigration protests over the last couple of days.
Trump has sent 2,000 troops to support immigration agents in handling demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement actions in LA. The military presence started arriving on Sunday morning.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated on Saturday that this deployment was a response to a “violent mob” that was targeting “federal law enforcement,” which has been conducting routine deportation operations in recent weeks.
In reaction to these developments, Trump indicated that California’s Democrats, namely Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, would criticize the tension that arose following the ICE actions. Newsom described the deployment as “inflammatory” and suggested it was unnecessary during a public statement responding to Trump’s orders.
“If California Governor Gavin Newscum and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass can’t manage their duties, and it’s evident they can’t, then the federal government will step in to handle issues like riots and looting,” Trump wrote on Saturday.
On a post shared on Sunday, it was mentioned that the federal government is “taking control of the California State Guard” seemingly for a dramatic reason.
“Don’t give them that. Avoid violence. Prefer dialogue,” he further advised.
In another statement, Newsom reiterated his call for peaceful protests, asserting that Trump “desires chaos to rationalize further crackdowns and heightened control.”
He also criticized a remark from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about deploying active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, labeling it as “crazy behavior.”
Bass commented in a Saturday evening interview that the call for the National Guard was “completely unnecessary” and would likely intensify the situation.
“I spoke with the administration today to ensure that the Los Angeles Police Department is prepared for any protests, and also any violence that may stem from them. The presence of 2,000 officers and 2,000 soldiers will not be beneficial,” she stated.
Both Newsom and Bass publicly condemned the decision to bring National Guard forces to LA on Sunday morning.
Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.) echoed Bass’s concerns, suggesting the troop deployment in the area could “escalate the situation.” She remarked, “It’s alarming. People are protesting because they are upset with what’s happening.”
Democrats from outside California have also criticized the Trump administration’s approach to the immigration protests.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) expressed on Sunday that Trump “has the authority to proceed” with the National Guard deployment but lamented that the president “disregards the Constitution” and “the rule of law.”
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) characterized Trump’s response to the protests as “rank hypocrisy” compared to his actions during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
“We know law enforcement operates better with cooperation and coordination. This move, made at the president’s discretion, disrupts longstanding practices and could worsen the situation,” Booker stated, linking the current protests to the Capitol incident.
He remarked, “While a mob stormed our Capitol, the President did nothing but watch. Yet now, he’s quick to act against citizens protesting.”
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) insisted that Trump’s actions show that he “isn’t trying to promote peace or recovery.”
“He’s escalating tensions and fostering division. His agenda doesn’t embrace democracy or peaceful assembly. If given a chance, he wouldn’t hesitate to undermine the rule of law,” he added.
