Los Angeles [US], June 8 (HBTV): US President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests triggered by immigration enforcement raids, CNN reported. The decision comes amid mounting tensions between federal authorities and demonstrators, who have described the raids as ‘mass chaos’ and ‘paramilitary operations’ targeting immigrant communities.

The protests began on Friday after dozens of individuals were detained in immigration raids across Los Angeles. In response, the Department of Defense mobilised the National Guard to assist federal law enforcement. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in a post on X, described the protests as ‘violent mob assaults’ aimed at preventing the removal of ‘criminal illegal aliens’.

‘The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of criminal illegal aliens from our soil; a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels (aka Foreign Terrorist Organizations) and a huge national security risk,’ Hegseth wrote. He also stated that if violence persists, active duty Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton may also be deployed.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt justified the deployment, stating it was necessary to ‘halt and reverse the invasion of illegal criminals’. She criticised California’s Democratic leadership for enabling what she termed ‘lawlessness’. ‘Violent mobs attacked ICE officers and federal law enforcement agents,’ she said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the federal response, calling it ‘purposefully inflammatory’ and warned that such actions could erode public trust. ‘Donald Trump's chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America's economy,’ Newsom said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed outrage over the raids, claiming she had not been informed in advance. ‘ICE was literally chasing people down the street,’ Bass said, calling the arrests ‘mass chaos’. She added that the city was working with law enforcement to ensure public safety.

CNN reported that while protests in downtown Los Angeles remained mostly peaceful—with demonstrators chanting ‘Free them all’ and holding signs like ‘Full Rights for All Immigrants’—clashes intensified in areas such as Paramount and Compton. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that some crowds grew ‘increasingly agitated’, engaging in violent acts and throwing objects.

In Compton, a vehicle was set ablaze, while protesters outside a federal detention centre in downtown Los Angeles vandalised property and confronted agents. Video footage showed law enforcement using riot gear, batons, and smoke bombs to disperse crowds.

David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was among those arrested. Authorities alleged he attempted to obstruct access to a worksite. US Attorney Bill Essayli stated: ‘Let me be clear: I don't care who you are—if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted.’ Huerta, who was treated for injuries following his arrest, denounced the raids as unjust.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department distanced itself from the federal operations. ‘We will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual's immigration status,’ said Police Chief Jim McDonnell. The department reiterated its focus on public safety while maintaining community trust.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement urging elected officials to intervene immediately and halt what it termed a ‘vile paramilitary operation’. The ACLU called on leaders to defend the rights and safety of all residents, regardless of immigration status.

CNN reported that the raids on Friday targeted several locations, including a business in the Fashion District suspected of using fake documents for workers. At least 44 individuals were arrested, and the FBI is investigating reports of demonstrators obstructing enforcement.

By Saturday evening, law enforcement officials confirmed that dozens of potentially violent demonstrators were under surveillance and that additional security resources had been deployed across Los Angeles County.

(ANI)