Growing Unrest in Los Angeles: Massive Protests Erupt After Trump Deploys National Guard Troops

LOS ANGELES — Tensions flared in Los Angeles as thousands protested against President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard. Demonstrators blocked major freeways and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

As night fell, police called the assembly unlawful, prompting arrests. Some protesters threw objects at police from makeshift barriers, escalating the chaos. This was the third day of protests centered around downtown Los Angeles, fueled by fear and anger over immigration policies and the arrival of about 300 National Guard troops.

Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the situation as overwhelming, mentioning that some protesters had a history of stirring trouble at events. Over the weekend, several dozen were arrested, including one person for throwing a Molotov cocktail.

The National Guard was deployed to protect federal buildings, including a detention center where many protesters gathered. Tensions peaked when protesters shouted insults at the troops and police used crowd-control measures. At one point, four self-driving Waymo cars were set ablaze, sending thick smoke into the sky.

Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move to send in the National Guard, calling it a “serious breach of state sovereignty.” He expressed concern that the deployment was worsening public chaos rather than improving safety. This deployment marks a significant moment, as it’s one of the first times a state’s national guard was activated without a governor’s request in decades.

Historically, Los Angeles has seen its share of civil unrest, from the Watts riots in 1965 to the protests in 2020 over police violence. However, this recent wave of protests doesn’t match the scale of those past events. Recent statistics show that immigration arrests in the area have climbed above 100 over just a week, igniting a strong community response.

Trump defended his actions, stating that he had to ensure “very strong law and order.” He cited a legal provision that allows such military deployment during civil unrest. His administration framed the protests as violent, prompting claims of necessary intervention.

Expert opinions suggest that such deployments can escalate tensions rather than quell them. Protest management expert Dr. Sarah Thompson notes that integrating community dialogue before such events often leads to better outcomes. In today’s digital landscape, social media also plays a big role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing protests, as seen with trending hashtags related to the demonstrations.

In recent days, the protests have sparked conversations online about the broader implications of federal intervention in state matters. Many are asking whether it truly protects citizens or adds fuel to the fire.

As Los Angeles navigates this tumultuous period, the community is left to grapple with these pressing issues of safety, rights, and governance.



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General news, Donald Trump, Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles, Protests and demonstrations, Jim McDonnell, Karen Bass, Military and defense, AP Top News, California, CA State Wire, U.S. news, Politics, United States government, Abigail Jackson, U.S. Department of Homeland Security