Los Angeles is on edge as U.S. President Donald Trump orders 2,000 National Guardsmen into the city following days of chaos linked to immigration raids.
The unrest erupted in the predominantly Latino Paramount district after federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out mass raids, arresting 118 undocumented migrants this week—44 on Friday alone. Clashes between ICE and residents escalated over the weekend, with officers using tear gas, flash bangs, and batons to disperse angry crowds. Protesters say many undocumented immigrants are hiding inside businesses, too afraid to come out.
Trump’s administration claims the move is to restore order and protect federal agents. In a fiery statement, the White House blamed “violent mobs” and accused California’s Democratic leaders of failing to keep the peace.
“We’re making Los Angeles safer,” said Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, who is now in LA overseeing the operations. He warned there will be “zero tolerance” for violence or damage to property.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed the tough stance on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs.” Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the National Guard was being mobilised immediately—and warned that active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton could be next if unrest continues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who spoke with Trump for 40 minutes on Saturday, blasted the raids as “reckless and cruel,” accusing the federal government of inflaming tensions. He criticized the decision to deploy troops without state coordination, saying it would “only escalate” the situation. LA Mayor Karen Bass also slammed ICE, accusing the agency of “sowing terror.”
Immigrant rights groups are outraged. “Our community is under attack and is being terrorised,” said Angelica Salas of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. “These are workers. These are fathers. These are mothers.”
President Trump responded on Truth Social, attacking both Newsom and Mayor Bass. “If they can’t do their jobs, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
The situation remains volatile, with federal agents on high alert and local communities bracing for what comes next.
