Key Takeaways
• President Trump federalized California National Guard, deploying 2,000 troops to Los Angeles on June 7-8, 2025.
• ICE made 118 arrests during raids in Los Angeles, sparking large protests and confrontations with federal agents.
• California officials, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, strongly opposed the deployment, citing increased tensions.
On June 7-8, 2025, President Trump ordered the federalization of the California National Guard and sent 2,000 troops to Los Angeles. This move came after a week of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the city, which led to widespread protests and confrontations between demonstrators and federal agents. The decision has sparked strong reactions from California officials, local law enforcement, community leaders, and members of Congress, raising questions about the balance of federal and state power, the role of the National Guard, and the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Happened: The Lead-Up to National Guard Deployment
The immediate cause for the National Guard deployment was a series of large-scale immigration enforcement actions by ICE in Los Angeles. According to ICE spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe, about 118 arrests were made during the week, with 44 arrests on Friday, June 6, 2025. ICE agents executed four federal search warrants at three locations in central Los Angeles, including at least one warrant related to “harboring of people illegally in the country.”
The targeted areas included:
– Westlake District
– Downtown Los Angeles
– South Los Angeles
These enforcement actions were part of a broader federal push to increase immigration arrests and deportations in major cities, a policy that has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant communities and their advocates.
Protests and Escalation in Los Angeles
The ICE raids quickly led to large protests throughout Los Angeles. Demonstrations began downtown on Friday, June 6, and soon spread to Paramount—a city with a large Latino population—along with neighboring Compton. Protesters gathered at a Home Depot in Paramount, where federal agents had set up a staging area. Some demonstrators tried to block Border Patrol vehicles, and there were reports of rocks and cement chunks being thrown at federal agents.
Federal agents, dressed in riot gear, responded with tear gas, flash-bang explosives, and pepper balls. The confrontations marked a sharp escalation in tensions between federal authorities and local communities. Rep. Nanette Barragán, who represents Paramount in Congress, described the protests as a direct response to the administration’s deportation policies, saying, “People were there to protest, they’re there to protest the mass deportations that are happening. And so it was peaceful. And of course, you escalate the situation.”
President Trump’s Decision: Federalizing the National Guard
On Saturday, June 7, President Trump announced that he would federalize the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 troops to Los Angeles. He invoked a legal provision that allows the president to deploy federal service members when there is “a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.” Instead of using the Insurrection Act, Trump relied on a similar federal law that gives the president the power to federalize National Guard troops under certain conditions.
In a memo to the Pentagon and the Attorney General, Trump wrote that the demonstrations “constitute a form of rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States.” The U.S. Northern Command confirmed on Sunday, June 8, that “elements of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the California National Guard have begun deploying to the Los Angeles area, with some already on the ground.” About 300 soldiers were deployed to three separate locations in the greater Los Angeles area to provide “safety and protection of federal property and personnel.”
Local and State Officials Push Back
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly opposed the federalization of the National Guard. He called the move “purposefully inflammatory” and said it would “escalate tensions.” Newsom argued, “The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles—not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle.” He urged Californians to “speak out peacefully” and avoid violence. Newsom also accused President Trump of a “complete overreaction” designed to create a show of force, not to address any real emergency.
Governor Newsom’s office reported a 40-minute phone call with President Trump on Friday night, during which Newsom tried to persuade the president not to go forward with the deployment.
Mayor Karen Bass’s Statement
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also spoke out against the deployment. She said, “As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.” Bass contradicted President Trump’s social media post congratulating the National Guard for calming unrest, clarifying that the troops had not yet been deployed at that time.
Mayor Bass warned, “Violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.” She also noted that city officials were in direct contact with Washington, D.C., to “find the best path forward.”
Law Enforcement Leaders Distance Themselves
Local law enforcement leaders made it clear they would not participate in federal immigration enforcement. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the department would not cooperate with federal authorities in deportation efforts. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna echoed this position, saying his department would not assist with ICE operations.
Congressional Criticism and Community Concerns
Rep. Nanette Barragán, who represents Paramount, criticized the decision to send the National Guard. She told CNN, “There is no need for the National Guard. They have the manpower that they need. So this is really just an escalation of the president coming into California.” Barragán warned that the deployment would “militarize the situation” and make things worse, especially since local officials had already been told to expect 30 days of ICE enforcement.
Community leaders and immigrant advocates expressed fear and anger over the increased presence of federal troops and the ongoing immigration raids. Many worried that the show of force would further intimidate immigrant families and disrupt daily life in Los Angeles.
Legal and Historical Background
The deployment of the National Guard without a governor’s permission is extremely rare. The last time this happened was in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to protect a civil rights march in Alabama. Normally, governors control their state’s National Guard, and federal orders are supposed to go through the governor.
The law cited by President Trump states that orders for federalizing the National Guard “shall be issued through the governors of the States,” which has led to questions about whether the president can activate National Guard troops without the governor’s order. In this case, Trump’s proclamation specified that the National Guard would play a supporting role by protecting ICE officers, not by performing law enforcement work directly.
For more information on the legal authority for federalizing the National Guard, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Defense official page on National Guard authorities.
The Situation on the Ground
As of Sunday, June 8, about 300 National Guard soldiers had been deployed to three locations in the Los Angeles area. A confrontation broke out in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators shouted at guard members lined up behind riot shields. Federal agents fired tear gas at the growing crowd outside the federal complex. No arrests were reported from this specific confrontation.
The National Guard’s main role was to protect federal property and personnel, especially those involved in immigration enforcement. The presence of troops added to the tension in the city, with many residents feeling anxious about the increased militarization of their neighborhoods.
The White House Position
The Trump administration defended its actions. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller responded to Mayor Bass’s criticism by posting on social media that Bass has “no say in this at all” and that “Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced.” Miller had previously said the administration was “actively looking at” suspending the writ of habeas corpus in immigration cases, which would mean that people accused of entering the country illegally could be held without a court hearing.
President Trump posted on Truth Social, “These radical left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will not be tolerated. Also, from now on, masks will not be allowed to be worn at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why?”
Implications for Immigrants, Law Enforcement, and the Community
The deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles has several important implications:
For Immigrants and Their Families:
– Increased fear and anxiety in immigrant communities, especially among those who may be targeted by ICE
– Disruption of daily life, with some families afraid to go to work, school, or public places
– Concerns about due process if the administration moves to suspend the writ of habeas corpus
For Local Law Enforcement:
– Strained relationships between local police and federal agencies
– Pressure to maintain public safety while respecting the rights of protesters and immigrants
– Challenges in building trust with immigrant communities
For State and Federal Relations:
– Renewed debate over the limits of federal power versus state authority
– Possible legal challenges to the president’s ability to federalize the National Guard without a governor’s consent
– Increased political tension between California officials and the Trump administration
For the Broader Community:
– Heightened risk of violence or further confrontations between protesters and federal forces
– Concerns about the impact on Los Angeles’s reputation as a city that welcomes immigrants
– Uncertainty about how long the National Guard will remain in the city and what the long-term effects will be
What Happens Next?
The situation in Los Angeles remains tense. Federal forces and protesters continue to face off, and the presence of the National Guard has not calmed fears in the community. Local officials are working to find ways to protect residents while also respecting federal law.
Key points for readers to remember:
– The National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles by President Trump after ICE raids led to large protests.
– Local and state officials strongly opposed the move, calling it an overreaction and a threat to community safety.
– The legal basis for federalizing the National Guard without a governor’s approval is being questioned.
– Immigrant communities are especially vulnerable, facing increased fear and uncertainty.
– The situation is ongoing, with possible legal and political battles ahead.
For those seeking more information about their rights during immigration enforcement actions, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides official resources and guidance.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the balance of power between federal and state governments. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how these issues are resolved and what they mean for immigrants, law enforcement, and the broader community.
Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know is concerned about immigration enforcement actions:
– Stay informed about your rights. You do not have to open your door to ICE agents unless they have a signed warrant from a judge.
– Carry important documents with you, but do not carry false papers.
– If you are detained, you have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
– Community organizations and legal aid groups can provide support and information.
For official information on immigration forms, such as the Form I-862, Notice to Appear, visit the USCIS website.
Conclusion
The deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to immigration enforcement protests has created a complex and tense situation. With strong reactions from local officials, law enforcement, and the community, the event highlights the challenges of balancing federal authority, state rights, and the safety and well-being of immigrants. As the situation develops, it is important for all stakeholders to stay informed, know their rights, and seek support from trusted sources. The outcome of this confrontation will likely shape immigration policy and federal-state relations in the United States 🇺🇸 for years to come.
Learn Today
Federalization → The process of bringing state National Guard troops under federal control for specific missions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → A federal agency enforcing immigration laws, including arrests and deportations within the U.S.
National Guard → State-based military force that can be activated by state governors or federal government.
Insurrection Act → A federal law allowing the president to deploy troops domestically during rebellions or emergencies.
Writ of Habeas Corpus → A legal principle ensuring detainees have the right to challenge unlawful imprisonment in court.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, federalizing 2,000 California National Guard troops in Los Angeles escalated immigration tension. ICE arrests sparked protests and clashes. Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass denounced this as a dangerous overreaction. The deployment raised complex legal and community concerns, spotlighting federal-state power struggles amid immigration enforcement debates nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
