US attorney for the Central District of California has said the National Guard will be deployed in Los Angeles within the next 24 hours.
Earlier in the evening, Trump addressed the protests on Truth Social, saying that the “RIOTS & LOOTERS” would be dealt with “the way it should be solved!!!”
California governor Gavin Newsom called the move “purposefully inflammatory” and warned that it would “only escalate tensions”.
The mayor of LA, Karen Bass – who has criticised the raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and reported violence during protests against them – later said the National Guard had not yet been deployed in the city and thanked the LA Police Department and local law enforcement for their work.
Democrats and Trump clash over immigration raids California Governor Gavin Newsom has called Trump’s order for the National Guard to be deployed in the Los Angeles area “purposefully inflammatory”.
He wrote in a post on X: “That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.”
He added: “This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs described the move as “an unnecessary escalation” as she called on the president to reconsider.
“No one wants their community to become militarized — it raises the potential for people to get hurt and erodes public trust. President Trump, don’t do this,” she wrote on X.
And Sen Alex Padilla said: “Using the National Guard this way is a completely inappropriate and misguided mission. The Trump Administration is just sowing more chaos and division in our communities.”
Rebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 12:16
FBI Director Kash Patel says “hit a cop, you’re going to jail,” X user reminds him about pardoned Capitol riotersFBI Director Kash Patel, responding to anti-ICE protests in LA that were sparked by a massive weekend immigration raid, warned protesters that they’d go to prison if they hit law enforcement officers.
President Donald Trump — who selected him to lead the FBI — pardoned Capitol rioters who attacked federal and Washington, D.C. police officers on January 6, 2021.
Graig Graziosi8 June 2025 12:00
Watch: LA protestor says tear gas ‘tasted like fascism’ in viral clipLA protestor says tear gas ‘tasted like fascism’ in viral clipRebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 11:45
National Guard is needed to ‘regain order’US attorney for the Central District of California has said the National Guard is needed to “regain order”.
He told the New York Times: “The state has an obligation to maintain order and maintain public safety, and they’re unable to do that right now in Los Angeles.”
“They threw rocks at the officers,” Bill Essayli added.
“We had Molotov cocktails thrown. We had all kinds of assaults on agents.”
Rebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 11:30
Pictured: Law enforcement clash with demonstrators Law enforcement clash with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations, in the Compton neighbourhood of Los Angeles.
Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles (AFP via Getty Images)
Fireworks explode in front of law enforcement as they face off with demonstrators (AFP via Getty Images)
Law enforcement clash with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations (AFP via Getty Images)Rebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 11:15
WATCH: Clashes Erupt Between Federal Agents and ICE Protesters in Paramount, CaliforniaUS: Clashes Erupt Between Federal Agents and ICE Protesters in Paramount, CaliforniaGraig Graziosi8 June 2025 11:00
What is the US National Guard?The US National Guard, is a reserve force that operates at state-level.
It’s usually called by a state’s governor, but Trump has used a provision that allows him to take control himself by federalising the National Guard.
However, this can only be done in certain circumstances.
That includes when the US is invaded or in danger of being invaded, when there is rebellion against the authority of the US government, or when the president is not able to execute US laws with regular forces.
Rebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 10:45
Watch: The National Guard in Los Angeles A video posted to X shows what appears to be the National Guard in Los Angeles.
It states: “They didn’t come to stand around. Shields up, batons out, and formations tight.”
Rebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 10:30
National Guards set to arrive in Los Angeles within 24 hoursNational Guards are set to arrive in Los Angeles within 24 hours.
The 2,000 National Guard members Donald Trump deployed to Los Angeles will arrive within 24 hours, according to the interim US attorney for the Central District of California.
Rebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 10:20
Recap: Why were Clashes were seen in the Los Angeles area?Donald Trump has authorised the deployment of 2,000 national guard troops to Los Angeles, after an immigration crackdown erupted into mass protests.
The clashes were first seen in the Los Angeles area on Friday following Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration raids in the city.
There were 118 arrests were made in LA this week as a result of ICE operations, including 44 on Friday, the BBC reported.
It later emerged that detainees were allegedly being held Federal Building in downtown LA and it became a focus for protesters.
It was reported that graffiti was sprayed on the building and objects were thrown at police.
Another protest then broke out on Saturday in the city of Paramount over another immigration raid.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said there were as many as 400 people involved in the demonstration.
The department then declared an unlawful assembly in an attempt to disperse demonstrators.
It comes as immigration raids have increased under Trump’s administration – last month he asked federal agents to arrest 3,000 people a day.
Rebecca Whittaker8 June 2025 10:10
