National Guard Deployed in LA Amid Trump Dispute

National Guard troops were deployed across Los Angeles on Sunday as protests escalated against federal immigration raids, deepening tensions between California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump.

Despite Newsom’s public objections, the White House ordered 2,000 National Guardsmen to secure key federal sites. Trump, in a statement, described the deployment as necessary to end what he called “lawlessness” and a “migrant invasion.”

“This is a serious breach of state sovereignty,” Newsom said in a letter to U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, which he also posted on X. “Rescind the order. Return control to California.”

Newsom warned that Trump was intentionally provoking unrest in Los Angeles. “Don’t take the bait,” he urged protesters. “Never use violence or harm law enforcement.”

The protests erupted Friday following a wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants. Demonstrators have since blocked freeways and gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre, where soldiers formed a perimeter. Police declared parts of the protests unlawful after reports of objects being thrown and cars set ablaze.

“Arrests are being initiated,” LAPD posted on X.

The U.S. Northern Command said about 300 National Guard soldiers were stationed at three strategic locations “to protect federal property and personnel.” The Command also confirmed that 500 Marines were on standby in California for possible deployment.

Trump, writing on Truth Social, said federal agents were under siege. “Violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming… these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,” he said. “Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free.”

Governor Newsom responded sharply to reports that the Trump administration might activate regular U.S. armed forces. “This is deranged behavior,” he wrote on X.

Defense Secretary Hegseth fired back, saying there would be “ZERO tolerance” for attacks on federal agents. “The National Guard — and Marines if need be — stand with ICE,” he said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the deployment. “The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real,” she posted on X. “This chaotic escalation puts our neighborhoods at risk.”

As tensions rise, both city and state officials have called for calm while federal authorities remain on high alert.