National Guard Deployed to los Angeles Amid Protest Clashes
Federalized troops arrive after trump order; newsom decries “inflammatory” move.
Following clashes between demonstrators and federal agents in Los Angeles, the California National Guard has begun deploying. This action follows an order signed by President Donald Trump to send in 2,000 service members in response to ongoing immigration protests.
Troops Arrive in Los angeles
According to U.S. Northern Command, elements of the 79th Infantry brigade Combat Team from the california National Guard are now on the ground in los Angeles. The deployment follows days of escalating tensions between protestors and federal agents carrying out immigration enforcement.
The White House stated that these measures were necessary due to “violent mobs”
attacking ICE officers and federal law enforcement agents. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, told NBC News that Trump is federalizing a portion of the California National Guard, which usually reports to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Did you know? Federalizing the National Guard allows the President to take command, placing them under federal authority rather than state control.
Newsom Condemns Deployment
Governor Newsom has strongly criticized Trump‘s decision, calling it “purposefully inflammatory”
and warning that it “will only escalate tensions.”
He asserted that local authorities have sufficient resources and that there is no unmet need for additional law enforcement.
LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment's notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.
This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.
—
Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 7, 2025
Newsom stated on X that “LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a momentS notice… This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
Local Response
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the deployment of federalized troops as “a chaotic escalation.”
She acknowledged the fear felt by residents and urged protestors to remain peaceful, stating she is in contact with immigrant rights leaders and local law enforcement.
Pro Tip: Stay informed by following local news and official government channels for updates on curfews, protest routes, and safety advisories.
Potential for Further Escalation
The White House has indicated no plans to de-escalate the situation. Defense Secretary pete Hegseth threatened to deploy U.S.Marines from Camp Pendleton if violence continues. According to the Pew Research center, public trust in the military remains relatively high, but deployments for domestic law enforcement can erode that trust (Pew Research Center, 2021).
Early Sunday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social praising the National Guard’s “great job”
in Los Angeles, even before the troops had officially arrived.
White House Justification
The White House released a memo stating that protests inhibiting the execution of laws constitute a “form of rebellion.”
The memo authorized the federalization of National Guard members. Vice President JD Vance labeled the protestors “insurrectionists”
in a post on X.
david Huerta, president of the SEIU California, was injured and arrested while observing the protests.The Homeland Security Department claimed he was “obstructing”
federal officers.
