In a controversial move, President Trump's administration has dispatched 4,700 troops to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests against immigration enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the action as an authoritarian tactic, threatening legal action against the federal government.
Trump Sends Troops to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests, California Governor Calls it “Deranged”
Trump Sends Troops to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests, California Governor Calls it “Deranged”
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemns President Trump's deployment of troops to LA as protests against immigration raids escalate.
The Trump administration has made headlines again as it sends thousands of military personnel to Los Angeles amid escalating protests against immigration raids. California Governor Gavin Newsom has labeled this move as fulfilling "the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president."
On the fourth day of protests, which have originated from unrest regarding immigration enforcement, approximately 700 US Marines joined a doubled contingent of National Guard troops, bringing the total to 4,000. Newsom's administration is currently pursuing legal action, arguing that such troop deployments contradict California’s sovereignty and unconstitutional in nature.
The unrest in LA has marked a significant departure from norms, being the first instance since 1965 that a president has dispatched National Guard units to an American city without the governor's consensus. Historically, military personnel have been called for large-scale disasters rather than domestic law enforcement concerns.
Local authorities have acknowledged that the deployment isn't warranted, stating that more law enforcement measures have not been necessary. The district attorney pointed out that only a small fraction of the unyielding crowd has committed offenses, which have included vandalism and assaults against police forces.
Meanwhile, the protests that erupted in Los Angeles have spread to other cities, including New York and San Francisco, showing a nationwide response to the ongoing ICE raids targeting Latino communities. Initially sparked by rumors about immigration enforcement crackdowns, the demonstrations have devolved into chaotic scenes involving looting and skirmishes with law enforcement.
In a show of defiance, Trump has claimed that deploying the National Guard was essential to maintain order, declaring, “We stopped it.” He has echoed sentiments that justification for these measures stem from local authorities’ inability to control the situation, despite opposition from state officials.
The political struggle continues, with Governor Newsom voicing that this military presence reflects an “unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.” As tensions remain high, the legal ramifications of this deployment are still unfolding, with Newsom threatening further legal action to counteract federal authority in a heated political climate.
