National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles After Anti-ICE Protests

Jorge L.
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National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles After Days of Anti-ICE Protests
photo via @gettyimages / Instagram

Thousands of Los Angeles residents surged into the streets after federal agents launched immigration raids across the city. In response, the White House swiftly authorized the deployment of the National Guard, while nearby military units stood ready for potential action.

On June 6, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted coordinated raids throughout Los Angeles. The public reaction was immediate and intense. Protesters blocked major roads, set fires, and vandalized property—including five Waymo self-driving cars. As demonstrations escalated, law enforcement declared several unlawful assemblies.

By June 8, President Trump had activated up to 2,000 National Guard troops for deployment in L.A. County. Official reports confirmed that approximately 300 Guard members had already reached areas including Compton and Paramount. Meanwhile, active-duty Marines remained on standby at Camp Pendleton.

State officials, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, pushed back hard. California filed a legal challenge, claiming the federal deployment violated state sovereignty. “The people of California will not be intimidated. We will defend our communities and our rights,” Newsom declared, calling the move “purposefully inflammatory.”

The lawsuit argues that invoking Title 10 powers without state consent is unconstitutional. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized that the action “represents a federal overstep and a direct challenge to our state’s authority.”

Prominent voices across the state echoed this criticism. Former Vice President Kamala Harris accused the administration of “provoking chaos,” while L.A. Mayor Karen Bass blamed the unrest on the ICE raids themselves. Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged that the size and intensity of the protests had overwhelmed local resources.

Here’s what we know so far:

  • June 6: ICE raids begin in L.A.
  • June 7–8: Protests escalate; law enforcement reports at least 50 arrests
  • June 8: National Guard deployed to city streets
  • California files a lawsuit against the federal government
  • Active-duty troops placed on alert outside city limits

Reporters Targeted

Journalists also faced violence. A live broadcast captured the moment a rubber bullet struck an Australian reporter. A British photojournalist suffered serious injuries after being hit by a sponge round, requiring emergency surgery.

Federal officials claim the National Guard was necessary to protect federal facilities. However, as Reuters pointed out, this marks the first domestic military alert of its kind in recent memory—raising urgent questions about federal authority, civil rights, and public trust.

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