President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and activated 700 US Marines in Los Angeles as protests over immigration enforcement actions continue into a fourth day. The move, confirmed by the Pentagon, has ignited a fierce political standoff with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has vowed legal action in response.
Protests erupted in downtown Los Angeles on June 6 following reports of widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids throughout the city. Demonstrations have since grown in size and intensity, with protesters rallying against what they describe as unjust detentions and mass deportations.
Law enforcement responded forcefully on June 9, deploying rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse crowds. Clashes between protesters and police have been reported in several areas, prompting concerns about the use of force against civilians.
Governor Newsom has condemned the federal troop deployments as unconstitutional and politically motivated, accusing the president of overstepping his authority. “This is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism,” Newsom stated on social media, following President Trump’s remarks suggesting Newsom should be arrested.
In a sharply worded post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump dismissed Newsom as “incompetent” and claimed Los Angeles would be “obliterated” without federal intervention. He went on to mock both the governor and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, saying they should be thanking him for preventing chaos. Newsom responded defiantly, saying, “Arrest me. Let’s get it over with, tough guy,” referencing earlier threats made by Trump ally and former acting ICE director Tom Homan.
The political feud is playing out in full view on social media, with both leaders trading personal attacks as tensions on the ground escalate. Legal experts say the deployment of active-duty Marines for domestic law enforcement duties is highly unusual and could face significant legal challenges, particularly without the approval of state authorities.
Meanwhile, the wave of protests is spreading beyond California. Demonstrations have been reported in cities including Tampa, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; and Houston, Texas, as public outrage over immigration policies grows.
As the situation develops, Los Angeles remains on edge. With local and federal authorities standing firm, and protesters continuing to demand an end to ICE raids, the conflict shows no sign of easing.
