LA Protests Live: National Guard Deployment Sparks Clashes at Detention Center Amid Political Turmoil -

LIVE – Updated at 01:00

Members of the
National Guard
have descended on
Los Angeles
after
Donald Trump
authorized the deployment of 2,000 troops to assist in an immigration crackdown, against the wishes of
California
state authorities.

Clashes between troops and demonstrators escalated throughout Sunday, with helmeted officers using tear gas to clear crowds. The violence came after actions by ICE agents prompted
mass protests
on Saturday.

In a
Truth Social
post, the president vowed to “liberate
Los Angeles
from the Migrant Invasion” and promised that “the Illegals will be expelled” as the
LAPD
declared that the city was on “tactical alert.”

Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth
also stoked controversy after saying that active-duty
Marines
at Camp Pendleton are
on “high alert”
and that he will use them
against the public if “violence continues.”

Asked on Sunday what “the bar” was for sending Marines into
LA
to deal with protesters, Trump told reporters, “The bar is what I think it is.”

California Governor
Gavin Newsom
previously called Trump’s decision “purposefully inflammatory” and warned that it would create “chaos.”

The mayor of LA,
Karen Bass,
said that the president’s decision to deploy state troops on the heels of the ICE raids was a “chaotic escalation.”

Key Points

Full story: Trump orders law enforcement to ‘liberate’ LA from ‘migrant invasion’ amid clashes over ICE raids
Newsom addresses Californians: ‘Don’t give Trump what he wants’
LA Mayor Karen Bass on Trump’s actions: ‘This is just political’
LAPD announces that city is on ‘tactical alert’
‘If they spit, we hit’: Trump’s new counter-protest phrase

Caruso: ‘There is no emergency, widespread threat, or out of control violence in Los Angeles’

01:00

,

Gustaf Kilander

Businessman Rick Caruso, who lost the 2022 LA Mayoral election to Karen Bass,
took to X
on Sunday to refute the notion that there’s an “emergency” in the city.

“There is no emergency, widespread threat, or out of control violence in Los Angeles,” he said.. “And absolutely no danger that justifies deployment of the National Guard, military, or other federal force to the streets of this or any other Southern California City.”

“Local law enforcement is capable of handling the situation and should arrest anyone causing violence in the streets,” he added. “We must call for calm in the streets, and deployment of the National Guard may prompt just the opposite.”

Bass: ‘Feeling of intentional chaos’

00:45

,

Gustaf Kilander

LA Mayor Karen Bass told CNN that the situation in the city bore “a feeling of intentional chaos.”

She added that the LAPD can manage the violence among a “few people” that has broken out.

“But it is as though troops were rolled out in a provocative manner, and I do not see how that is helpful to Los Angeles right now,” said Bass. “It’s not the type of resources that we need in the city.”

Newsom formally requests Trump stand down national guard troops

00:30

,

Mike Bedigan

Gavin Newsom has formally requested that President Trump stand down national guard troops in Los Angeles.

“I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command,” he said, sharing a picture of the document on X.

“We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed.

“Rescind the order. Return control to California.”

LAPD: Two officers injured after being struck by motorcyclists

00:17

,

Gustaf Kilander

Watch: Trump says ‘we’re going to have troops everywhere’ to deal with LA protests

00:15

,

Mike Bedigan

Clashes escalating in downtown LA

00:00

,

Mike Bedigan

Footage of confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators in downtown LA show tension escalating.

“Officers are reporting that people in the crowd are throwing concrete, bottles and other objects. Arrests are being initiated,” the LAPD wrote on X.

“A DISPERSAL ORDER has been issued for the area of Alameda and Temple. Those at Alameda and Temple must leave the area.”

Protesters throwing things at police will be arrested, LAPD says

23:43

,

Mike Bedigan

Newsom urges Angelenos ‘not to take the bait’ amid violent clashes

23:32

,

Mike Bedigan

Full story: Trump orders law enforcement to ‘liberate’ LA from ‘migrant invasion’ amid clashes over ICE raids

23:21

,

Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump has vowed to “liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion,” amid violent clashes between members of the state national guard and anti-immigration enforcement protesters.

The president took to Truth Social on Sunday, where he promised that “the Illegals will be expelled” and that the city would be “set free.”

Read the full story here:

Trump orders law enforcement to ‘liberate’ LA from ‘migrant invasion’

Watch: LA protests live: Clashes erupt at detention center after troop deploys National Guard

23:13

,

Mike Bedigan

Protestor mocks the use of National Guard

23:01

,

Mike Bedigan

Trump blasts ‘incompetent Governor’ Newsom

22:53

,

Mike Bedigan

LAPD announces that city is on ‘tactical alert’

22:41

,

Mike Bedigan

Newsom addresses California: ‘Don’t give Trump what he wants’

22:36

,

Mike Bedigan

Gavin Newsom has warned Californians to “stay peaceful [and]… calm.”

“California — Don’t give Donald Trump what he wants,” the governor wrote on X.

“Speak up. Stay peaceful. Stay calm.

“Do not use violence and respect the law enforcement officers that are trying their best to keep the peace.”

It comes shortly after Trump vowed to “liberate” Los Angeles from “the Migrant Invasion.”

Trump vows to ‘liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion’

22:30

,

Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump has vowed to coordinate all aspects of his administration in order to “liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion.”

The president took to Truth Social on Sunday, where he promised that “the Illegals will be expelled” and that the city would be “set free.”

“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals,” he wrote.

“Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve.

“I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in coordination with all other relevant Departments and Agencies, to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion, and put an end to these Migrant riots.

“Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump challenged on his definition of ‘an insurrection’

22:13

,

Mike Bedigan

Responding to questions from reporters on Sunday, Donald Trump was asked what his definition of an “insurrection” was.

“What are the rules for engagement?” one reported asked, to which the president responded, “we’re just going to see what happens.”

Trump added: “If we think there is a serious insurrection or less than that, we’re going to have law and order.”

The reporter pressed: “How would you define an insurrection?”

“You really have to look at the site and see what’s happening … last night in Los Angeles you had a lot of violence and it could have got a lot worse.”

Trump was accused of inciting protesters in January 2021, which ultimately led to an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

‘If they spit, we hit’: Trump’s new counter-protest phrase

22:03

,

Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump appears to have coined a new phrase in response to the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles.

“When they spit at people— they spit, that’s their new thing—when that happens, I have a little statement: they spit, we hit,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“If that happens, they get hit very hard.”

The phrase is reminiscent of a previous, controversial adage introduced by Trump during the protests of 2020 – “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.”

In pictures: Tear gas used to clear protesters in downtown LA

21:49

,

Mike Bedigan

Clashes between national guard and protesters begin to ramp up

21:43

,

Mike Bedigan

Confrontations between members of the state national guard and protesters in Los Angeles has begun to escalate, with what appears to be pepper balls and other non lethal weapons fired into crowds.

Footage airing on CNN also showed ranks of troops beginning to forcibly push demonstrators back.

Watch: Fires erupt in streets as anti-ICE protests continue for second day in LA

21:37

,

Mike Bedigan

Fires erupt in streets as anti-ICE protests continue for second day in LA

Trump says the bar for sending U.S. Marines in to LA is ‘what I think it is’

21:23

,

Mike Bedigan

Asked by a reporter on Sunday what “the bar” was for sending in U.S. Marines to assist with protesters in Los Angeles, Donald Trump gave a short, but cutting answer.

“The bar is what I think it is,” he replied.

The president said: “We’re gonna have troops everywhere, we’re not going to let this happen to our country, we’re not going to let our country be torn apart like it was under Biden.”

No further Truths from Trump yet

21:21

,

Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump has so far remained silent on Truth Social on Sunday as tensions in Los Angeles between protesters and law enforcement continue to ramp up.

The president’s last post came on Saturday when he blasted Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass as “incompetent” and “VERY SLOW,” and congratulated members of the National Guard on a “job well done.”

Top Dem on Armed Services Committee blasts Trump and Hegseth

21:16

,

Mike Bedigan

Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, criticized the “unilateral” decisions by the president and Defense Secretary to deploy troops in Los Angeles.

“Such unilateral actions, taken without consultation with local leaders, risk escalating tensions rather than calming them,” Reed said on Sunday.

Restaurant workers help LA deputies hit with tear gas

21:09

,

Mike Bedigan

Video footage shared by ABC7 showed restaurant workers in Compton, California, helping deputies who appeared to be suffering from the effects of tear gas.

Workers appeared to be pouring liquid onto the faces of the officers in an attempt to flush their eyes.

In pictures: Anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles continue

21:01

,

Mike Bedigan

Congresswoman confronts national guard troops: ‘Who are you going to shoot?’

20:52

,

Mike Bedigan

California Congresswoman had strong words for the national guard troops gathered in downtown LA.

“Who are you going to shoot?” she asked the two dozen soldiers gathered outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center on Alameda.

“If you’re going to shoot me, you better shoot straight.”

Bass calls Trump’s actions ‘chaotic escalation’ in new statement

20:45

,

Mike Bedigan

In a fiery new statement, Karen Bass called Donald Trump’s decision to mobilize the state national guard following raids by ICE a “chaotic isolation.”

The mayor said that fear in Los Angeles was “very real” but urged citizens to “remain peaceful.”

Here is her full statement:

This morning, President Trump deployed the National Guard into Los Angeles. Deploying federalized troops on the heels of these raids is a chaotic escalation.

The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real – it’s felt in our communities and within our families and it puts our neighborhoods at risk. This is the last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful.

I’ve been in touch this morning with immigrant rights leaders as well as local law enforcement officials. Los Angeles will always stand with everyone who calls our city home.

Police and demonstrators square off in DTLA

20:35

,

Mike Bedigan

Police and demonstrators have squared off outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Times reported that around two dozen California National Guard troops armed with rifles and wearing helmets with riot masks were present.

Graffiti reading “f*** ICE,” “f*** LAPD,” was written across nearby buildings, the outlet reported, though it was mostly media outlets in attendance on the scene.

ICYMI: Newsom calls out Trump for thanking National Guard… before they arrived in LA

20:15

,

Mike Bedigan

Watch: LA protests: National Guard arrive after being deployed by Trump amid protester and riot police clashes

20:00

,

Mike Bedigan

LAPD monitoring three ‘peaceful’ demonstrations

19:44

,

Mike Bedigan

The LAPD has said that it is currently monitoring three separate demonstrations occurring, but that all are peaceful.

The demonstrations are taking place at Olvera Street, a federal facility on Alameda, and in front of the LAPD Central Division.

DHS releases information about ‘worst’ criminals arrested by ICE in LA

19:26

,

Mike Bedigan

The Department of Homeland Security has released more information about “some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal alien” arrested by ICE during its Los Angeles operations.

“Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens?” said Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, in an accompanying statement.

“These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets. Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”

Newsom says Trump and Hegseth ‘want a spectacle’ and violence

19:08

,

Mike Bedigan

In a statement put out via email Gavin Newsom said that President Trump and Pete Hegseth “want a spectacle” and violence.

“We have been working closely with law enforcement. There is no unmet need. The President is attempting to inflame passions and provoke a response,” he wrote.

“He would like nothing more than for this provocative show of force — and Pete Hegseth’s absurd threat to deploy United States Marines on American soil – to escalate tensions and incite violence.

“They want a spectacle. They want the violence. They think this is good for them politically.”

Newsom added: “This is not the way a civilized country behaves. It is completely deranged behavior.

“Don’t give them the spectacle they want. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully and in large numbers.”

‘I can’t see anything!’: Tear gas leaves reporter gasping and coughing during LA protest

18:58

,

Mike Bedigan

Fury at immigration raids, boots on the ground, and a political dogfight: What to know about LA protests

18:44

,

Mike Bedigan

Recap:

Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after an immigration crackdown erupted into mass protests on Saturday.

Footage has shown the protesters throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles and others trying to get in the way of a Marshals Service bus after more than a hundred arrests were made.

Here, the Independent breaks down what you need to know about the unrest in LA.

What to know about the LA protests as Trump deploys National Guard

300 members of National Guard deployed in Greater Los Angeles area

18:36

,

Mike Bedigan

ACLU says Trump ‘recklessly undermining foundational democratic principles’

18:29

,

Mike Bedigan

In a statement on the protests, the American Civil Liberties Union said that Trump’s decision to deploy national guard troops was “recklessly undermining our foundational democratic principle that the military should not police civilians.”

Hina Shamsi, who directs the A.C.L.U.’s National Security Project, called the action “unnecessary, inflammatory, and an abuse of power.”

“The Trump administration is putting Angelenos in danger, creating legal and ethical jeopardy for troops, and recklessly undermining our foundational democratic principle that the military should not police civilians,” she said in a statement overnight, obtained by

The New York Times.

29 arrests made by LAPD

18:18

,

Mike Bedigan

The Los Angeles Police Department has made 29 arrests already on Sunday, as the protests continue, a police source confirmed to CBS.

“There are going to be several protests today in the city of Los Angeles. The city and police are monitoring those,” the official said.

The source added that city officials “are supportive of immigrant rights” and described the current situation a “no win” for law enforcement.

Kristi Noem defends Trump’s use of National Guard: ‘We don’t want a repeat of 2020’

18:11

,

Mike Bedigan

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says that Donald Trump “does not want a repeat of 2020” and the George Floyd protests, as she defended the president’s decision to deploy 2,000 national guard troops in Los Angeles.

Speaking to CBS’s Face The Nation on Sunday, Noem said the violence in LA would not have happened if California Governor Gavin Newsom was “doing his job.”

The president knows that he makes bad decisions, and that’s why the president chose the safety of this community over waiting for Governor Newsom to get some sanity,” she said.

“And that’s one of the reasons why these National Guard soldiers have been federalized so they can use their special skill set to keep peace. We’re not going to let a repeat of 2020 happen.”

Anti-ICE protesters arrested in New York

17:54

,

Mike Bedigan

Police led away around 20 anti-ICE protesters in New York, following demonstrations in lower Manhattan.

ABC7 reported that dozens of protesters were out for hours at Federal Plaza on Sunday, calling out concerns about ICE detainments.

Earlier on Sunday, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino confirmed arrests had been made in New York as well as Los Angeles, warning protesters to “choose wisely.”

Paramount Congresswoman says national guard troops will ‘escalate the situation’

17:44

,

Mike Bedigan

The Democratic representative for Paramount, where part of the anti-immigration protests began has said the deployment of the national guard in the city will simply “make things worse.”

Nanette Barragán told CNN’s “State of the Union” that Saturday’s protest had started peacefully, until ICE officers began “doing the tear gas, shooting out pellets.”

“Now you’re talking about bringing in the National Guard to militarize the situation,” she said. “It’s going to get worse. It’s unnecessary again.”

Barragán added that she is being told to prepare for “30 days of ICE enforcement.”

“It’s a concern. I mean, it’s going to escalate the situation,” she said. “People are going to protest because they’re angry about the situation, and we have to just reiterate to people to do it peacefully.”

LA Mayor on Trump’s actions: ‘This is just political’

17:32

,

Mike Bedigan

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has said that the decision by Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 national guard troops to the city is unnecessary and “just political.”

“I’m very disappointed ,” she said, speaking KTLA on Sunday morning to discuss the protests over ICE raids, as well as the president’s response.

“To me, this is just completely unnecessary, and I think it’s the [Trump] administration just posturing.

“I’ve spoken to the governor several times…I have not yet talked to the president, but I have talked to officials high up in his administration, and I expressed to them that things were not out of control in the City of Los Angeles.”

Bass continued: “Paramount had some issues, but I doubt very seriously that there is a need for the National Guard there either,” she added. “To me, this is just political.”

‘Hypocritical at best’: Booker slams Trump’s response to LA protests

17:25

,

Mike Bedigan

Senator Cory Booker has said that Donald Trump’s response to the protests in Los Angeles as “hypocritical at best” compared to how he responded to the insurrection on January 6.

“Since years before I was born, law enforcement knows it’s good when there’s cooperation and coordination,” Booker told NBC on Sunday. “For the president to do this when it wasn’t requested, breaking with generations of tradition, is only going to incite the situation and make things worse.”

He went on to draw comparison to the president’s reaction to the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“We are now at a point where we have a president who sat back and did nothing as people stormed our Capitol, viciously beat police,” he said.

“And then when those people who viciously beat police and led to some of their deaths, therefore, cop killers, were convicted by juries, he then pardoned them all.”

Dan Bongino threatens violent protesters: ‘It will not end well for you’

17:12

,

Mike Bedigan

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has threatened protesters that engage in violent activity, warning them “it will not end well for you.”

“We are not stopping or slowing down. We are not intimidated or apprehensive,” Bongino wrote on X on Sunday morning, following crackdown by immigration authorities in Los Angeles.

“Illegal immigration operations will continue, and anyone using violence to obstruct or impede these operations will be investigated and prosecuted.

“Multiple arrests have already been made, in both LA and NY, and additional investigations are ongoing, and producing results.

“Many of these subjects will face federal charges, along with local and state charges. It will not end well for you if you choose violence. Choose wisely.”

Hegseth trolls California Governor over another ‘mostly peaceful protest’

17:00

,

Mike Bedigan

‘The stuff of dictatorships’: Trump admin threat to deploy military to LA protest met with angry reactions

16:52

,

Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump’s threats to send the National Guard to Los Angeles to squash anti-ICE protests have drawn a resounding negative reaction from Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called the administration’s plan “deranged behavior.”

The White House on Saturday said that 2,000 National Guard troops will be sent to arrest protesters as tensions grew during a second day of clashes between hundreds of protesters and federal agents following a series of immigration raids by ICE agents on Friday.

Isabel Keane

has more:

Trump admin threat to deploy military to LA protest met with angry reactions

CBS poll finds positive view of Trump deportation plan

16:44

,

Mike Bedigan

A CBS poll has found that so far, more Americans hold positive views on the Trump administration’s deportation plan.

The survey was completed
prior to the protests and violent clashes over immigration crackdown by federal agents in Los Angeles this weekend.

A slight majority feel efforts are prioritizing people they believe to be dangerous criminals. Those who say this are supportive of the program, and believe it is making citizens safer.

However, just under half (49 percent) of those surveyed thought that the administration was deporting “more people than expected.”

41 percent thought it was deporting “about what they expected” and just 10 percent thought less people were being deported than they expected.

Newsom and Hegseth trade blows over ‘deranged’ Marines post

16:17

,

Mike Bedigan

Gavin Newsom and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have traded blows online after the California Governor described Hegseth’s threat to mobilize U.S. Marines to assist with the protests in Los Angeles as “deranged behavior.”

Newsom calls Trump out over National Guard post: ‘Facts matter’

16:04

,

Mike Bedigan

Gavin Newsom has called out Donald Trump over a post congratulating the National Guard for a “job well done,” claiming that at the time the post was made, no troops had arrived in Los Angeles.

“The California National Guard wasn’t even deployed in Los Angeles yet when this rant was posted,” Newsom said, sharing a picture of Trump’s Truth Social post.

“Facts matter.”

Johnson says Trump did ‘exactly what he needed to do in California

15:54

House Speaker Mike Johnson says that Donald Trump “did exactly what he needed to do,” after the president ordered the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard troops in response to protests on Los Angeles.

Johnson told ABC News’ “This Week” on Sunday that he was “not concerned at all” by the president’s decision, despite fierce backlash from state authorities.

“That is real leadership and he has the authority and the responsibility to do it,” he said.

Watch: National Guard arrive after being deployed by Trump amid protester and riot police clashes

15:42

,

Mike Bedigan

First National Guard troops arrive in city of Los Angeles

15:37

,

Mike Bedigan

Members of the California National Guard arrived in downtown Los Angeles early on Sunday morning, after Donald Trump activated the force against the wishes of state authorities.

Images showed troops stopping in front of the Hall of Justice next to city hall, and video showed others driving through the city of Paramount.

The state National Guard has not been federalized by a president, overriding a governor, since 1965.

Images show violent clashes ahead of National Guard’s arrival in LA

15:31

,

Mike Bedigan

Newsom reshares clip of Noem slamming Biden over activating state National Guard

15:14

,

Mike Bedigan

Gavin Newsom trolled the Trump administration over its outrage of the pushback against the president’s activation of the National Guard in California.

The governor on Sunday shared a clip of an interview from early 2024 with now-head of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in which she called out Democrats for encouraging Biden to activate the South Dakota guard.

“This aged well,” Newsom wrote.

Trump and Bass post somewhat contradictory statements on National Guard presence in LA

15:05

,

Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump and Karen Bass appeared to post somewhat contradictory statements about the presence of National Guard members in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

“Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, going on to slam Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom as “incompetent.”

“Thank you to the National Guard for a job well done!”

In her own post on Saturday night, the LA Mayor thanked the LAPD and other law enforcement, as well as Newsom for his support.

“Just to be clear, the National Guard has not been deployed in the City of Los Angeles,” she said.

Bernie Sanders says Trump is taking the U.S. down path of ‘authoritarianism’

14:59

,

Mike Bedigan

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has accused Donald Trump of attempting to take the U.S. down a path of “authoritarianism,” after deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles, against the wishes of city and state authorities.

“The mayor of the city of Los Angeles did not request the National Guard, but he thinks he has a right to do anything he wants,” Sanders told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.

“[The] future of this country rests with a small number of Republicans in the House and Senate who know better.”

LA Sheriff says force will protect right to protest peacefully, but decries violence

14:48

,

Mike Bedigan

In an interview on Saturday, Sheriff Robert Luna addressed the situation across LA County, stating: “We will protect your right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or destruction of property.

“I urge the community to approach the situation peacefully, as we do not want anyone to be harmed.”

The Sheriff’s Department clarified that when a protest is deemed an unlawful assembly and individuals resort to violence, intervention becomes necessary.

Sheriff Luna emphasized that deputies should not be expected to withstand assaults involving rocks and bottles.

Recap: What to know about the LA protests as Trump deploys National Guard

14:40

,

Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after an immigration crackdown erupted into mass protests on Saturday.

Footage has shown the protesters throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles and others trying to get in the way of a Marshals Service bus after more than a hundred arrests were made.

Here, the Independent breaks down what you need to know about the unrest in LA.

What to know about the LA protests as Trump deploys National Guard

Mayor ‘confident’ that LA law enforcement can handle protests

14:31

,

Mike Bedigan

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has said she is “confident” that city and county law enforcement can handle the fall out from the anti-immigration protests.

Speaking to ABC7 she said that the deployment of the National Guard by Donald Trump was not necessary.

” I do not believe that it’s called for because I am confident LAPD and other law enforcement in Los Angeles can handle things in Los Angeles,” she told said.

Bass also decried violence and vandalism, saying “under no circumstances” was it acceptable. “When violence happens it’s going to be dealt with,” she added.

LA sheriff’s department makes two arrests

14:25

,

Mike Bedigan

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department arrested two people on Saturday as clashes between demonstrators continued.

A spokesperson for the department told The Independent that the arrests had occurred in Paramount, roughly 16 miles from the city.

The arrests were for alleged assault on a peace officer, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The outlet added that three deputies had been hit and suffered minor injuries from a Molotov cocktail.

Trump invokes Title 10 of the United States Code to justify using military against U.S. civilians

14:00

,

Graig Graziosi

Donald Trump issued a memo on Saturday evening announcing that he was using Title 10 of the United States Code to justify using the National Guard against anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles.

Title 10 of the USC outlines how the US military can be legally used by the federal government. Section 12406, which Trump cites in his memo, deals with when the president can use the National Guard for federal law enforcement.

Section 12406 reads as follows:

Whenever—(1) the United States, or any of the Commonwealths or possessions, is invaded or is in danger of invasion by a foreign nation; (2) there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States; or (3) the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States; the President may call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard of any State in such numbers as he considers necessary to repel the invasion, suppress the rebellion, or execute those laws. Orders for these purposes shall be issued through the governors of the States or, in the case of the District of Columbia, through the commanding general of the National Guard of the District of Columbia.

In the memo, Trump says that the National Guard “may perform those military protective activities that the Secretary of Defense determines are reasonably necessary to ensure the protection and safety of Federal personnel and property.”

Read the full memo here.

Recap: US labour union leader David Huerta arrested

13:45

,

Rebecca Whittaker

David Huerta the US labour union leader was detained on Friday after a federal immigration enforcement operation.

The union said he was just “peacefully observing” when he was arrested.

He is the president of the California branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The branch is made up of healthcare workers, janitors, social workers, and city and state employees.

Footage of the arrest was posted on X by Bill Essayli, US attorney for the Central District of California.

Pictured: Protests against immigration raids continued into the early hours

13:30

,

Rebecca Whittaker

Images from the scene show people looting a gas station and setting off fireworks.

Protests have been mostly concentrated in predominantly Latino areas of LA county.

Trump echoes notorious Black Lives Matter quote over LA anti-ICE demos

13:15

,

Rebecca Whittaker

Donald Trump made a possibly unwitting reference to his own past usage of a notorious quote attributed to a Miami police chief who cracked down on protests in Black neighborhoods on Saturday as he threatened local and state officials in California with a massive federal response.

The president issued a statement on Truth Social on Saturday evening ahead of his attendance at a UFC match in response to demonstrations across the city of Los Angeles on Friday and Saturday — themselves the result of ICE raids across the city.

Defense Secretary threatens to deploy U.S. Marines against anti-ICE protesters

13:00

,

Graig Graziosi

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has threatened to use active-duty U.S. Marines against anti-ICE protesters.

While National Guard troops are sometimes deployed for state law enforcement purposes, the Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits presidents from using the U.S. military — including a federalized National Guard — against American citizens on American soil.

If the president were to enact the Insurrection Act — a proposal suggested in the right-wing extremist Project 2025 plan that Trump claimed to have no knowledge of — he could deploy the military against the general public.

The American Civil Liberties Union says Trump’s order is ‘abuse of power’

12:45

,

Rebecca Whittaker

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has said Trump’s order to send the National Guard to LA is “unnecessary, inflammatory, and an abuse of power”.

Hina Shamsi, director of the National Security Project at the civil rights group, disagreed with the move and explained it puts the city in “danger”, the BBC reported.

She added it is “recklessly undermining our foundational democratic principle that the military should not police civilians”.

She explained the protests in LA were in responding to immigration raids and the arrest of David Huerta, the president of labour group Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California.

Kash Patel dragged for ‘hit a cop, you’re going to jail’ threat to LA anti-ICE protesters: ‘Unless it’s for Trump’

12:30

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Rebecca Whittaker

FBI Director Kash Patel has been mocked online after responding to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, telling demonstrators that if you “hit a cop, you’re going to jail.”

“Doesn’t matter where you came from, how you got here, or what movement speaks to you. If the local police force won’t back our men and women on the thin blue line, we @FBI will,” Patel wrote on X on Saturday.

Social media users were quick to point out the different stance taken by the administration in relation to the January 6 rioters – hundreds of whom were pardoned by President Donald Trump.

Democrats and Trump clash over immigration raids

12:16

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Rebecca Whittaker

California Governor Gavin Newsom has called Trump’s order for the National Guard to be deployed in the Los Angeles area “purposefully inflammatory”.

He wrote in a post on X: “That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.”

He added: “This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs described the move as “an unnecessary escalation” as she called on the president to reconsider.

“No one wants their community to become militarized — it raises the potential for people to get hurt and erodes public trust. President Trump, don’t do this,” she wrote on X.

And Sen Alex Padilla said: “Using the National Guard this way is a completely inappropriate and misguided mission. The Trump Administration is just sowing more chaos and division in our communities.”

FBI Director Kash Patel says “hit a cop, you’re going to jail,” X user reminds him about pardoned Capitol rioters

12:00

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Graig Graziosi

FBI Director Kash Patel, responding to anti-ICE protests in LA that were sparked by a massive weekend immigration raid, warned protesters that they’d go to prison if they hit law enforcement officers.

President Donald Trump — who selected him to lead the FBI — pardoned Capitol rioters who attacked federal and Washington, D.C. police officers on January 6, 2021.

Watch: LA protestor says tear gas ‘tasted like fascism’ in viral clip

11:45

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Rebecca Whittaker

National Guard is needed to ‘regain order’

11:30

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Rebecca Whittaker

US attorney for the Central District of California has said the National Guard is needed to “regain order”.

He told the New York Times: “The state has an obligation to maintain order and maintain public safety, and they’re unable to do that right now in Los Angeles.”

“They threw rocks at the officers,” Bill Essayli added.

“We had Molotov cocktails thrown. We had all kinds of assaults on agents.”

Pictured: Law enforcement clash with demonstrators

11:15

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Rebecca Whittaker

Law enforcement clash with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations, in the Compton neighbourhood of Los Angeles.

WATCH: Clashes Erupt Between Federal Agents and ICE Protesters in Paramount, California

11:00

,

Graig Graziosi

What is the US National Guard?

10:45

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Rebecca Whittaker

The US National Guard, is a reserve force that operates at state-level.

It’s usually called by a state’s governor, but Trump has used a provision that allows him to take control himself by federalising the National Guard.

However, this can only be done in certain circumstances.

That includes when the US is invaded or in danger of being invaded, when there is rebellion against the authority of the US government, or when the president is not able to execute US laws with regular forces.

Watch: The National Guard in Los Angeles

10:30

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Rebecca Whittaker

A video posted to X shows what appears to be the National Guard in Los Angeles.

It states: “They didn’t come to stand around. Shields up, batons out, and formations tight.”

National Guards set to arrive in Los Angeles within 24 hours

10:20

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Rebecca Whittaker

National Guards are set to arrive in Los Angeles within 24 hours.

The 2,000 National Guard members Donald Trump deployed to Los Angeles will arrive within 24 hours, according to the interim US attorney for the Central District of California.

Recap: Why were Clashes were seen in the Los Angeles area?

10:10

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Rebecca Whittaker

Donald Trump has authorised the deployment of 2,000 national guard troops to Los Angeles, after an immigration crackdown erupted into mass protests.

The clashes were first seen in the Los Angeles area on Friday following Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration raids in the city.

There were 118 arrests were made in LA this week as a result of ICE operations, including 44 on Friday, the BBC reported.

It later emerged that detainees were allegedly being held Federal Building in downtown LA and it became a focus for protesters.

It was reported that graffiti was sprayed on the building and objects were thrown at police.

Another protest then broke out on Saturday in the city of Paramount over another immigration raid.

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said there were as many as 400 people involved in the demonstration.

The department then declared an unlawful assembly in an attempt to disperse demonstrators.

It comes as immigration raids have increased under Trump’s administration – last month he asked federal agents to arrest 3,000 people a day.

Protest in photos

10:00

,

Graig Graziosi

National Guard not deployed in LA, mayor says

09:50

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Rebecca Whittaker

The National Guard has not been deployed in the city of Los Angeles, mayor Karen Bass has said.

In a post on X she thanked the LA Police Department and local law enforcement for their work on Saturday night.

She said: “I want to thank LAPD and local law enforcement for their work tonight. I also want to thank
@GovernorNewsom
for his support.

“Just to be clear, the National Guard has not been deployed in the City of Los Angeles.”

The mayor has criticised ICE raids and reported violence during protests against them.

Trump thanks National Guard for ‘job well done’

09:40

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Rebecca Whittaker

US president Donald Trump thanks the National Guard in LA in a post on social media.

He criticised the state and city’s Democrat leaders and the protesters, on Truth Social.

He said: “These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED.”

He added: “From now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests.

“What do these people have to hide, and why???”

“Thank you to the National Guard for a job well done,” he added.

Watch: Fires erupt in streets as anti-ICE protests continue for second day in LA

09:30

,

Rebecca Whittaker

FOX LA reporter’s vehicle reportedly smashed, vandalized by anti-ICE protesters

08:24

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Graig Graziosi

A reporter covering the anti-ICE protests in LA was caught in the crossfire and had his vehicle’s windows smashed and “f*** ICE” spray painted on one of his doors.

ICYMI: Read White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s statement on anti-ICE protests

06:00

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Graig Graziosi

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester. The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”

Law enforcement begins firing off tear gas at protesters in LA

05:52

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Graig Graziosi

Law enforcement officers have started firing off tear gas at protesters in LA, according to CBS Los Angeles.

The LAPD said that the protests were largely peaceful, but also declared the demonstration unlawful just after 9pm local time on Saturday night.

White House press secretary says Newsom should be “thanking” Trump for sending military to LA

05:43

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Graig Graziosi

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said California Governor Gavin Newsom should be “thanking” President Donald Trump for sending federalized National Guardsmen into LA to stomp out anti-ICE protests.

“He should be thanking President Trump for bringing law and order to California — a basic value that Newsom and his fellow Democrats have failed to uphold,” Leavitt said.

Earlier: Trump threatens to crush anti-ICE protests using federal government

05:30

,

Graig Graziosi

On Saturday evening, Donald Trump broke his silence on the ongoing protests in Los Angeles against ICE agents who carried out a massive raid in the city this weekend.

The president threatened to use the power of the federal government to “solve the problem” in the city if Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass “can’t do their jobs.”

He later authorized the deployment of 2,000 federalized National Guardsmen to Los Angeles.

Senator Adam Schiff calls for peaceful protests, accuses Trump of trying to “inflame” tensions in LA

05:27

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Graig Graziosi

Senator Adam Schiff issued a statement on Saturday evening claiming that President Donald Trump is trying to “inflame” the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. He called for peaceful protests in LA.

“The Trump Administration’s calling on the California National Guard without the authorization of the Governor is unprecedented. This action is designed to inflame tensions, sow chaos, and escalate the situation,” Schiff wrote.

“If the Guard is needed to restore peace, the Governor will ask for it. But continuing down this path will erode trust in the National Guard and set a dangerous precedent for unilateral misuse of the Guard across the country. “

Governor Gavin Newsom accuses Donald Trump of trying to “sow chaos” to “escalate” authoritarian crackdowns

05:09

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Graig Graziosi

Governor Gavin Newsom accused the federal government under Donald Trump of using the National Guard to crack down on anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles as a way to “escalate” political division in the country and justify authoritarian crackdowns.

“This is not the way any civilized country behaves,” Newsom said.

Governor Gavin Newsom says federal government is “taking over” the state’s National Guard

07:00

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Graig Graziosi

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration is “taking over” the state’s National Guard, and warned that the president’s move will “erode public trust.”

Video taken by ICE agents reportedly shows protesters pelting their cars with rocks

04:35

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Graig Graziosi

Fox News obtained footage shot from the inside of an ICE vehicle of protesters pelting the car with rocks. The rocks reportedly shattered the windows of the ICE vehicle.

California Governor Gavin Newsom says Trump wants “spectacle”, implores Californians to choose peaceful protest

04:34

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Graig Graziosi

California Governor Gavin Newsom said that the Trump administration wants residents of Los Angeles to violently react to the federal crackdown on anti-ICE protests, but he warned them not to give the president what he allegedly wants.

“The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” Newsom wrote. “Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”

Trump invokes Title 10 of the United States Code to justify using military against U.S. civilians

04:22

Donald Trump issued a memo on Saturday evening announcing that he was using Title 10 of the United States Code to justify using the National Guard against anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles.

Section 12406 reads as follows:

Read the full memo here.

FBI Director Kash Patel says “hit a cop, you’re going to jail,” X user reminds him about pardoned Capitol rioters

04:15

,

Graig Graziosi

President Donald Trump — who selected him to lead the FBI — pardoned Capitol rioters who attacked federal and Washington, D.C. police officers on January 6, 2021.

Defense Secretary threatens to deploy U.S. Marines against anti-ICE protesters

03:59

,

Graig Graziosi

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has threatened to use active-duty U.S. Marines against anti-ICE protesters.

Trump’s Saturday night in photos: As National Guard troops head to LA, Trump watches a UFC fight

03:42

,

Graig Graziosi

Vice President JD Vance insinuates migrants are part of an “invasion” of the United States

03:35

,

Graig Graziosi

JD Vance, responding to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, insinuated that migrants are participating in an “invasion” of the U.S.

“One of the main technical issues in the immigration judicial battles is whether Biden’s border crisis counted as an “invasion,” Vance wrote. “So now we have foreign nationals with no legal right to be in the country waving foreign flags and assaulting law enforcement. If only we had a good word for that…”

Governor Gavin Newsom accuses Donald Trump of trying to “sow chaos” to “escalate” authoritarian crackdowns

03:20

,

Graig Graziosi

“This is not the way any civilized country behaves,” Newsom said.

Congressman Jimmy Gomez denounces Donald Trump’s decision to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles

03:10

,

Graig Graziosi

Congressman Jimmy Gomez denounced Donald Trump’s decision to send 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles.

“The Trump admin trying to take over the CA National Guard and deploy troops in LA is reckless and inflammatory,” Gomez said. “There’s no unmet need, and this will only escalate tensions and erode public trust.”

FOX LA reporter’s vehicle reportedly smashed, vandalized by anti-ICE protesters

03:00

,

Graig Graziosi

A reporter covering the anti-ICE protests in LA was caught in the crossfire and had his vehicle’s windows smashed and “f*** ICE” spray painted on one of his doors.

Governor Gavin Newsom says federal government is “taking over” the state’s National Guard

02:44

,

Graig Graziosi

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration is “taking over” the state’s National Guard, and warned that the president’s move will “erode public trust.”

Click
here
to read the full blog on The Independent’s website