President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to assist in quelling civil unrest amid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations taking place in Los Angeles.
The president stated that this order “frees Los Angeles” as he continues to advocate for the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
“Once a great American city, Los Angeles is now overwhelmed by illegal immigrants and criminals. Violent mobs are attacking federal agents to hinder our deportation efforts, but these unlawful actions only bolster our determination,” he remarked.
“I’m working closely with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense, along with all pertinent departments, to support Attorney General Pam Bondy in taking every necessary step to reclaim Los Angeles from these immigrant invasions and put an end to them.
According to reports, anti-ICE protests erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend as a response to federal immigration enforcement actions.
Several protesters threw eggs and shouted warnings about an impending raid.
Footage from KTLA showed law enforcement stationed on the streets while demonstrators attempted to obstruct them, with some throwing objects at police vehicles, and a car in the intersection caught fire.
On Friday, law enforcement executed a search warrant in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of over 40 individuals, which angered some city officials and advocacy groups focused on immigration.
In light of the escalating situation, the president ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to the area to assist ICE agents with their operations. Democrats criticized this move, labeling it an unnecessary escalation.
“The federal government has essentially taken over the California State Guard and deployed 2,000 soldiers to Los Angeles, not due to a lack of law enforcement, but because they seek to create a spectacle.
