President Donald Trump ordered 700 US Marines and 2,000 additional National Guard troops into Los Angeles on Tuesday in response to escalating immigration protests—despite vocal opposition from California’s governor and city leaders. The move has triggered a legal battle over state rights and drawn sharp criticism over what many call a dangerous federal overreach.
State files lawsuit against Trump’s military deployment
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Monday arguing the deployment of National Guard troops violates the state’s sovereignty. The legal action seeks a restraining order to stop what Bonta called Trump’s “unlawful mobilization.”“We don’t take lightly to the president abusing his authority and unlawfully mobilizing California National Guard troops,” Bonta said. The lawsuit escalated after Trump doubled the number of troops on the ground, fueling unrest and legal alarm.
Newsom denounces troop presence as ‘illegal and immoral’
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment, calling it “a blatant abuse of power.” In a series of posts on X, Newsom said, “This isn’t about public safety. It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego.”Reacting to Trump’s suggestion that border czar Tom Holman should arrest the governor for interfering with federal enforcement, Newsom said, “The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America.”He warned that Marines were being misused as political tools: “U.S. Marines serve a valuable purpose for this country — defending democracy. They are not political pawns.”
Why are the protests happening?
The protests began last Friday after federal agents carried out immigration raids across the LA metro area, arresting over 100 immigrants. Demonstrators gathered outside a DHS office in Paramount, fearing additional raids. Some clashes turned violent, with protesters throwing rocks and law enforcement responding with tear gas and flash-bangs.The unrest spread across Compton and downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles. Multiple arrests have occurred, both of immigrants and protesters.
Protests spread nationwide, prompting state responses
Immigration raids and federal action have ignited protests across the country. In Austin, Texas, protesters clashed with police outside the ICE office, leading to arrests. In Dallas, demonstrators occupied a bridge before police deemed the gathering unlawful. Boston saw hundreds protest both the troop deployments and the arrest of labor leader David Huerta, who was later released on bond.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned that any demonstrations turning into riots would face a strict crackdown: “Just be prepared to have the law come down on you, and we will make an example of you.”
Current situation in Los Angeles
Monday’s demonstrations were more peaceful than the previous day’s chaos. Thousands rallied near City Hall, demanding the release of Huerta and the end to federal crackdowns. Outside a downtown federal complex, hundreds continued to protest.Still, the aftermath of Sunday’s violence remained visible—burned cars, graffiti-covered buildings, and police barricades lining the streets. The city remains tense, with protests showing no signs of slowing as legal and political battles over immigration and federal authority intensify.