U.S. National Guard units have begun deploying across downtown Los Angeles, following orders issued by President Donald Trump, amid rising protests over his administration’s hardline immigration policies. Tensions are escalating, with growing concerns of imminent clashes between protesters and federal forces.
According to U.S. Northern Command, elements from a National Guard combat team began setting up positions at federal sites in Los Angeles, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security. Their stated mission is to protect city employees and government properties.
While the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the Guard’s presence at federal facilities, it stressed that all individuals retain the right to peaceful assembly and free expression. The Governor’s Office noted that nearly 300 National Guard troops were deployed across three main zones in the city.
Trump’s move follows his announcement to deploy 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles, accusing local authorities of failing to confront what he called “chaos.” He warned of direct federal intervention if protests are not swiftly contained.
State vs. Federal Power: A Brewing Clash
California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom denounced Trump’s actions as “provocative and theatrical,” warning they would only escalate tensions. “Trump wants chaos to justify repression and control,” Newsom said, urging demonstrators to remain calm and avoid violence.
In a defiant response, Newsom threatened to withhold state tax payments to the federal government — a move U.S. Treasury Secretary labelled as “tax evasion.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted at the possibility of deploying U.S. Marines if violence persists — a statement that drew harsh criticism from Democratic leaders, who warned of unprecedented military overreach.
The Mayor of Los Angeles described the deployment as an “escalation,” while Senator Adam Schiff condemned the use of federal forces without state consent as “unprecedented,” accusing the Trump administration of inflaming unrest and sowing division. He warned it could severely damage public trust in the National Guard and set a dangerous precedent for the future.
Mass Protests & Arrests Across the Nation
In recent days, Los Angeles has seen widespread demonstrations against Trump’s intensified deportation campaigns targeting undocumented immigrants, especially in Latino-majority neighbourhoods.
The protests have also spread to New York City, where police arrested dozens of demonstrators rallying in solidarity with migrants — using pepper spray to disperse the crowds.
These developments come on the heels of a series of controversial decisions by the Trump administration following his return to the White House. These include the cancellation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative launched under former President Joe Biden.
Additionally, Trump scrapped the CBP One mobile app, developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to streamline asylum applications. The app had faced criticism from Republicans, who claimed it facilitated illegal immigration by allowing applicants to enter the U.S. before thorough vetting.
In an even more alarming move, Trump ordered the construction of a mass detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, with capacity for 30,000 individuals. The site is designated for “criminal migrants” entering the country without authorization — a move widely condemned by human rights organisations.
Where Is This Headed?
The situation in Los Angeles appears poised for further escalation, as Trump doubles down on his anti-immigration crackdown, while local leaders push back against what they view as unlawful federal overreach.
This showdown reveals deeper fractures in American politics — over immigration, federalism, civil liberties, and the militarisation of dissent.
