National Guard Deployed Amid LA Protests
On June 7, 2025, President Donald Trump mobilized over 2,000 National Guard troops to address escalating protests in Los Angeles. The unrest erupted following immigration raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulting in various confrontations and several arrests.
Protests spanned multiple neighborhoods, including Compton and Downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators set cars ablaze and hurled rocks at law enforcement. Notably, scenes of chaos unfolded as some individuals waved Mexican flags while engaging in violent acts, triggering a forceful federal response.
Footage from the previous day captured a man in a biker helmet throwing rocks at federal vehicles. This prompted FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino to reach out on social media for help in identifying the suspect, urging anyone involved to come forward, as it was only a matter of time before they were found.
As the violence persisted, Trump administration officials condemned the actions of the protesters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the assaults on ICE and federal agents as part of a scheme to prevent the deportation of individuals deemed criminally inadmissible, which he labeled a national security risk. He emphasized that the National Guard had been immediately mobilized to support law enforcement in the region, and warned that active-duty Marines might also be deployed if the situation did not improve.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the Trump administration’s deployment, calling it an alarming escalation against American citizens. Hegseth responded, accusing Newsom’s administration of allowing chaos to unfold in the streets and insisting that the National Guard would stand firm with ICE against any violence.
Reports indicate that over 100 arrests were made on Friday alone, with at least 20 additional detentions occurring on Saturday. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump thanked law enforcement for their efforts while condemning what he referred to as the “incompetent” leadership of California, specifically targeting Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass.
As protests are anticipated to continue into the following days, with a significant gathering scheduled for Sunday afternoon, the tensions between local demonstrators and federal authorities show no signs of easing.
