Tensions Mount in Los Angeles Amid Protests and National Guard Deployment
LOS ANGELES — A wave of protests erupted in Los Angeles as thousands took to the streets on Sunday, driven by anger over President Donald Trump’s controversial deployment of the National Guard. The unrest escalated into violent clashes, prompting police to use tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs to disperse crowds blocking a major freeway.
The protests, marking the third intense day centered around the downtown area, were fueled by fears stemming from Trump’s immigration policies. As National Guard troops—specifically deployed to protect federal buildings—arrived, tensions flared, leading to widespread confrontations. Protesters retaliated against law enforcement by hurling concrete, rocks, and electric scooters, while self-driving Waymo cars ignited in flames, releasing plumes of smoke.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell reported that officers were overwhelmed, noting the presence of agitators intent on inciting violence. Despite dozens of arrests over the weekend—one involving a Molotov cocktail—authorities struggled to maintain control amid escalating hostilities.
In a letter to Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the Guard’s deployment as a “serious breach of state sovereignty,” asserting that it incited rather than alleviated tensions. Both Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass condemned the administration’s actions as provocations that undermine public safety efforts.
The unrest follows immigration raids that led to over 100 arrests and sparked fears within immigrant communities. Trump, defending his actions on social media, called for stronger law enforcement measures in the city, implying a readiness to escalate the response further.
As the situation in Los Angeles continues to unfold, community leaders and officials urge for calm, while the administration hints at an intensified law enforcement presence to restore order.
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