Trump Deploys National Guard to Los Angeles Amid Escalating ICE Raid Protests

By Devin Breitenberg

President Donald Trump has escalated his response to violent protests against federal immigration raids by authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops under federal control to Los Angeles. This marks a controversial intervention amid rising tensions over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

What Sparked the National Guard Response

Starting Friday, federal ICE operations swept through areas like Paramount, Compton, and the Fashion District, targeting undocumented individuals. Officials reported 118 arrests, including people involved in alleged gangs or facing deportation orders.

Demonstrators responded with growing intensity, blocking highways, setting vehicles ablaze, and confronting federal agents with rocks, bottles, and smoke bombs—prompting tear gas and flash-bang grenades from law enforcement. In some cases, community response groups followed ICE agents, warning residents and offering legal support. 

Trump’s Federal Takeover

Invoking Title 10 authority—making this the first federally ordered National Guard deployment in California since the 1960s—the president bypassed state control. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton are on “high alert” as well  Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass condemned the move, calling it political provocation and an alarming violation of state authority. Newsom emphasized there was “no unmet law enforcement need” while assuring sufficient local resources were in place. 

On-the-Ground Escalation

Friday’s raids triggered confrontations near the Metropolitan Detention Center, with stun grenades used to disperse crowds. Protesters erected barricades in Paramount using shopping carts and bins. One protester, SEIU leader David Huerta, was injured and arrested while attempting to block a detention bus.

Into Saturday, more ICE raids across the city prompted further clashes. In Compton, demonstrators hurled gasoline-filled bottles at law enforcement, leading LAPD to join federal agents in containment zones.

Federal vs. State Fight

Governor Newsom called Trump's directive inflammatory, and local leaders voiced alarm at the undermining of state jurisdiction. Historical context shows that National Guard involvement in civil unrest—such as Los Angeles during the Rodney King riots in 1992—often exacerbates tensions without quelling disorder.

What Comes Next?

As 2,000 federal guardsmen mobilize, cities like Compton and Paramount brace for possible confrontations. With Marines potentially on standby, local law enforcement is under intense pressure to coordinate with these units.

ICE raids continue; organizers like Union del Barrio and the Community Self‑Defense Coalition plan further patrols to monitor agents and assist at-risk residents.

Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom are exploring potential legal challenges to the federal order, asserting it violates the traditional balance of power and could threaten civil liberties.

Broad Implications

This unprecedented federal action marks a significant shift in U.S. domestic policy—prioritizing immigration enforcement over the autonomy of a major state. As political and legal debate intensifies, Los Angeles stands at a crossroads: Will federal force restore peace, or deepen division?

In Summary:

2,000 federal National Guardsmen deployed under Trump’s order

ICE raids led to 118 arrests, triggering protests and violence

State and local officials condemned federal intervention

Action raises legal questions about federal vs. state authority during civil unrest

As tensions mount, the eyes of Los Angeles—and the nation—are on the unfolding confrontation in the streets.

Devin Breitenberg is a legal consultant and senior counsel at Devin Law LLC and legal contributor  for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at devin.breitenberg@veritasexpositae.com