In Los Angeles, Anger Mounts Against Trump as National Guard Deployment Fails to Quell Protests

The Californian metropolis faced another turbulent weekend marked by clashes between demonstrators and security forces, in a climate of rising rebellion against President Trump’s immigration policy. Since Friday, June 6, tensions have soared following a series of aggressive raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly in neighborhoods with large Hispanic populations. The arrests, seen as arbitrary and violent, sparked spontaneous protests that quickly escalated into confrontations.

Controversial Military Deployment Ignites Political Backlash

In response to the growing unrest, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Sunday—without consulting local authorities. The unilateral move has been condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called it a provocation and a dangerous constitutional precedent. “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved,” he wrote on X, denouncing a serious violation of the state’s sovereignty.

A Defiant Crowd Refuses to Be Silenced

The protests have shown no signs of letting up. Outside a federal building where detainees are being held, demonstrators denounce what they see as inhumane treatment. “These families aren’t criminals—they’re fleeing violence. We won’t abandon them,” said one protester of Mexican heritage. Another, draped in a Mexican flag, declared: “I’m proud to see my city rise up.”

Escalation of Violence in Several Districts

Rather than calming the situation, the arrival of the National Guard has only intensified confrontations. Districts like Compton and Paramount have seen violent clashes. In Downtown LA, demonstrators briefly blocked a freeway, while tear gas and rubber bullets were used against protesters—and even journalists. The LAPD reported at least 56 arrests and several officers injured. Similar scenes were reported in San Francisco and New York.

A Crisis With National Implications

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that 35 Mexican nationals were arrested during the raids and called on the U.S. to treat them with dignity. Meanwhile, the White House remains defiant. On his Truth Social platform, Trump dismissed the demonstrators as “rioters, not protesters,” and warned that military deployment could be extended to other cities if unrest continued.

Thirty years after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the city once again reflects the deep and bitter divisions of America.