Marines deployed amid LA immigration protests
Tensions escalated in Los Angeles as hundreds of U.S. Marines and over 4,000 National Guard troops were deployed under orders from President Donald Trump. This move aimed to quell ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement actions, which have sparked unrest across the city and beyond. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment, stating that "democracy is under assault," and has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing it infringes on state sovereignty.
The protests began on June 6 following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that resulted in the arrest of at least 44 individuals in various locations, including a clothing warehouse and a Home Depot. The aggressive tactics used during these raids, including the deployment of stun grenades, ignited backlash from community organizations and activists.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency and imposed an overnight curfew in parts of downtown to restore order amid reports of violence, looting, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. While the protests have drawn thousands and spread to other cities like New York, Austin, and Dallas, many demonstrations have remained peaceful, although confrontations with law enforcement have led to numerous arrests.
California Governor Gavin Newsom says Trump inflamed a combustible situation.
“Donald Trump, without consulting California law enforcement leaders, commandeered 2,000 of our state's National Guard members to deploy on our streets illegally and for no reason. This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk,” Gavin Newsom, California governor said.
The situation reflects a national crisis regarding immigration enforcement and the use of military forces in civilian areas. As the unrest continues, authorities and community leaders are urging for peaceful demonstrations while seeking resolutions to the underlying issues driving the protests.
