Trump Deploys National Guard To Los Angeles Without Governor’s Consent Amid Immigration Protests

In a surprising and controversial decision, President Donald Trump has sent 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to immigration protests. The action came after several days of demonstrations sparked by federal immigration raids that resulted in the arrest of at least 44 people. The protests turned chaotic in some areas, with law enforcement using tear gas and flashbang grenades to control crowds.

What makes this move unusual is that it was done without the approval of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Usually, when National Guard troops are deployed within a state, the governor must agree. However, Trump used a rare law—Title 10 of the U.S. Code—that allows him to take full control of the National Guard and bypass the state’s authority. Experts say this kind of federalization of the National Guard without the governor’s request hasn’t happened since the civil rights era in the 1960s.

What Trump Said:

Trump defended his decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, accusing local officials of losing control. “We’ll solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” he posted. He also signed a presidential memorandum to deploy the National Guard to protect ICE officers and federal buildings.

So far, around 300 National Guard troops have arrived in Los Angeles, but they had not entered the city as of early Sunday, according to LA Mayor Karen Bass. She emphasized that the city had not requested military assistance.

Governor Newsom strongly opposed Trump’s action, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and warning that it could make things worse. He accused the president of trying to “manufacture a crisis” for political gain.

Many human rights groups and political leaders have also criticized the move. The League of United Latin American Citizens called it a “troubling escalation,” and Democratic Congresswoman Nanette Barragan said it would only add to the tension. Amnesty International went even further, saying the deployment was dangerous and an attempt to silence people defending human rights.

Protesters had blocked major freeways and streets in Los Angeles, leading to traffic problems. Police declared the protests unlawful and made several arrests while trying to clear the roads.

National security experts told CNN that Trump’s decision is not only rare but also risky. Juliette Kayyem, a former homeland security official, said the deployment was an “extreme overreaction” and warned that federal troops are trained for combat, not peaceful crowd control.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton are on standby in case the unrest spreads.

This deployment adds to the ongoing political tensions between President Trump and Governor Newsom. Trump has previously threatened to cut federal funding to California over disagreements on various issues. With both sides standing firm, the nation watches closely as the situation unfolds in Los Angeles.

Highlights:

President Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid immigration protests.
Deployment made without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent.
Troops sent under Title 10, allowing them to report directly to the president.
Protests erupted after ICE raids arrested at least 44 individuals.
Tear gas and flashbangs used to disperse protesters; several arrests made.
Trump accused local officials of losing control, vowed to restore order.
LA Mayor Karen Bass said troops had not entered the city as of Sunday.
Newsom called the move “inflammatory” and warned it could escalate tensions.
Amnesty International and other groups condemned the deployment as dangerous.
Experts say such federal action without state approval is extremely rare.
Marines from Camp Pendleton may be mobilized if unrest continues.
The move deepens political conflict between Trump and Newsom.