Why Are Protesters Clashing with National Guard Troops in Los Angeles?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic escalation, over 200 protesters clashed with National Guard troops in downtown Los Angeles in response to immigration raids. This unprecedented action by the Trump administration raises critical questions about state authority and public safety. Governor Newsom urges peace amid growing tensions. What does this mean for the future of protests in America?
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 protesters clashed with National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
- Governor Newsom called for peaceful protests.
- Trump's deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops raised concerns.
- Protests were triggered by federal immigration raids.
- Los Angeles Mayor Bass criticized the troop deployment as unnecessary.
Los Angeles, June 9 (NationPress) Over 200 demonstrators engaged in a confrontation with National Guard troops in downtown Los Angeles during recent protests against immigration raids that occurred throughout California over the weekend.
Witnesses noted that National Guard soldiers, accompanied by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, repeatedly discharged tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the demonstrators. Several protesters and journalists were reportedly affected during the skirmish.
One protester expressed, "We aim to protest peacefully. However, the Trump administration has deployed troops against us. Is this really necessary?"
Following the altercation, California Governor Gavin Newsom urged the protesters to maintain peace.
In an online message, Newsom stated, "California -- Avoid giving Donald Trump what he desires. Speak out. Remain peaceful. Stay composed," he advised. "Do not resort to violence and honor the law enforcement officers striving to maintain order."
Footage from local news station ABC 7 revealed that the National Guard troops arrived in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday.
This marks the first instance since 1965 that a president has mobilized a state's National Guard without a request from the state's governor, according to Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, an independent law and policy organization, reported by The New York Times.
The footage documented troop deployment in the downtown vicinity near City Hall, City of Paramount, and Compton, where protesters had been clashing with federal agents and local police since Friday.
The skirmishes followed raids by ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies at various sites in southern California starting Friday, which incited widespread protests. Nonetheless, Washington affirmed on Saturday that the raids would persist despite local community and official opposition.
The two-day operations led to over 100 arrests, inciting furious protesters who confronted agents with tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and rocks.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump took significant measures by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to address immigration demonstrations in the Los Angeles area, exercising rare federal powers while sidestepping the authority of the state's governor, Gavin Newsom.
On Sunday, Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass voiced their disapproval of Trump’s decision.
In a fundraising email sent out on Sunday morning, Newsom condemned the action, stating, "Last night, President Trump mandated the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, using the pretext of protests against his immigration raids... The president is trying to incite passions and provoke reactions."
Newsom warned that Trump’s show of force, along with the Pentagon's threats to deploy U.S. Marines on American soil, could escalate tensions and provoke violence.
Bass shared similar sentiments in an interview, expressing her disappointment over Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops, deeming it entirely unnecessary.
"There were protests in Los Angeles last night -- my understanding is that about 120 protesters were present. While some did engage in vandalism, there was nothing occurring in downtown Los Angeles that the Los Angeles Police Department could not handle, making this deployment completely unnecessary," she remarked.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the importance of peaceful protest and civil discourse in a democracy. While the deployment of National Guard troops is a significant escalation, we must prioritize understanding and dialogue over conflict. The situation in Los Angeles highlights the pressing need for thoughtful solutions to immigration issues without compromising public safety.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the protests in Los Angeles?
The protests were sparked by immigration raids conducted by federal agencies across California.
How many people were involved in the protests?
More than 200 protesters participated in the demonstrations against the immigration raids.
What actions did law enforcement take during the protests?
Law enforcement, including National Guard troops, used tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the crowds.
What was Governor Newsom's response?
Governor Newsom urged protesters to remain peaceful and not to resort to violence.
How many arrests were made during the raids?
Over 100 arrests were made during the two-day raids in southern California.
