LOS ANGELES — National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles on Monday as protests intensified over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, officials said.
Hundreds of California National Guard members began deploying to the city early Monday following days of demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of about 2,000 troops to support federal agents and protect property amid the unrest, according to a White House memorandum.
The protests erupted in response to recent ICE raids and arrests in the Los Angeles area. Demonstrators gathered in downtown Los Angeles and other locations, with some clashes reported between protesters and law enforcement. Details on the number of arrests or injuries remained unclear as authorities continued to assess the situation.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass objected to the federal deployment, stating that local law enforcement had the situation under control. The governor’s office said in a statement that the move was unnecessary and raised concerns about state authority.
“California did not request this deployment, and we believe it escalates tensions rather than resolves them,” Newsom said in remarks reported by multiple outlets.
The Trump administration defended the action, citing the need to protect federal personnel and ensure the enforcement of immigration laws. Border czar Tom Homan stated that the National Guard would assist in maintaining order during ongoing operations.
Protests began after reports of increased immigration arrests in Southern California. Activists and community groups criticized the raids, alleging racial profiling and family separations, while federal officials said the operations targeted individuals violating immigration laws.
National Guard troops were seen setting up positions near federal buildings and areas with a heavy protest presence. Local police enforced curfews in parts of downtown Los Angeles. Some demonstrations remained peaceful, with participants calling for policy changes and an end to certain enforcement practices.
The deployment marks a significant federal response to protests in a major U.S. city with a large immigrant population. Similar actions have drawn legal challenges from California officials, who argue it infringes on state rights.
As of Monday evening, officials reported that the situation was being monitored closely. Additional troops were expected in the coming days. The Pentagon said the deployment was intended to be temporary, with a duration of up to 60 days or at the discretion of the secretary of defense.
Immigrant rights organizations and local leaders urged calm and continued dialogue. Federal authorities said operations would proceed as planned. No immediate further details were available on the scale of ongoing protests or specific incidents.
Markets and daily activities in much of Los Angeles continued normally outside protest zones. Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of public safety amid the heightened tensions.
