By Daniel Greenblatt, National Affairs Correspondent
Federal Troops Deployed After Days of Unrest in Southern California
On Sunday, June 8, 2025, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following escalating civil unrest sparked by aggressive immigration enforcement actions earlier in the week. The protests erupted after a series of high-profile immigration raids led to the detention of more than 100 individuals, including a well-known labor organizer, sending shockwaves through the community.
Communities in Turmoil
Tensions reached a boiling point across multiple neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with demonstrations flaring up in predominantly Hispanic areas such as Compton, Boyle Heights, and Paramount. Protesters voiced their outrage over the perceived targeting of immigrant communities, chanting slogans, holding signs, and blocking traffic.
The unrest intensified when some protest groups clashed with law enforcement. There were reports of rock-throwing, fires set to dumpsters and vehicles, and confrontations with police barricades. Residents captured much of the unrest on video, with footage quickly spreading across social media platforms, galvanizing nationwide attention.
Local residents said fear and anger have taken hold. “People are scared to leave their homes,” said Rosa Velasquez, a community health worker. “These raids feel more like political theater than public safety.”
Controversial Immigration Raids Spark Outrage
The catalyst for the protests was a series of early morning immigration raids carried out across Los Angeles County. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials detained individuals accused of violating immigration laws, but several of those arrested had no prior criminal records and were long-time residents with deep ties to their neighborhoods.
Among the detained was Ricardo Moreno, a prominent union leader known for advocating on behalf of agricultural and service workers. His arrest in particular drew condemnation from local advocacy groups and unions, who viewed it as a politically motivated act meant to discourage organized resistance to federal policies.
Critics have called the raids poorly coordinated, overly aggressive, and deeply destabilizing for communities already under economic strain.
President’s Response and Military Action
President Trump, speaking from the White House, characterized the unrest as the result of “lax local leadership” and defended the use of federal enforcement to uphold immigration laws. In a televised statement, he claimed the protests had devolved into “anarchy” and said that the deployment of the National Guard was necessary to restore order.
“Violent mobs will not be tolerated in our cities,” Trump said. “Federal law is clear, and we will enforce it.”
Within hours, convoys of National Guard personnel and vehicles were seen entering Los Angeles, where they were assigned to assist local police in maintaining order, guarding government buildings, and securing public spaces.
California Leaders Push Back
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass both issued statements criticizing the federal response, warning that the military presence could further destabilize communities and inflame tensions.
“The raids were reckless and inhumane,” Governor Newsom said at a press conference. “This response does nothing to address the root causes of discontent, and it undermines the values we stand for as a state.”
Mayor Bass added, “Los Angeles will not be silenced or intimidated. We stand with our communities and demand transparency, accountability, and compassion.”
Mask Ban and Legal Challenges
In a controversial move, the White House also announced a new federal regulation prohibiting the wearing of masks at public demonstrations, citing security concerns. The announcement sparked immediate backlash from civil rights advocates who argued that the rule violates constitutional rights and is intended to deter legitimate protest.
“The right to peaceful assembly includes the right to anonymity,” said legal analyst Nina Patel. “This new rule sets a dangerous precedent.”
Civil liberties groups have vowed to challenge the regulation in court, and several lawsuits were reportedly being drafted by Sunday evening.
A City at a Crossroads
As armored vehicles rolled down familiar boulevards and National Guard troops took up posts near key intersections, many Angelenos found themselves grappling with a surreal new reality. Churches, nonprofits, and local businesses mobilized quickly to provide shelter and resources to those affected.
In the days ahead, community leaders plan to hold town halls, vigils, and legal workshops. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are expected to press federal agencies for answers regarding the arrests and their legal justifications.
Despite the heavy presence of federal forces, protests continued Sunday night in various parts of the city. Crowds chanted for justice, waved flags, and called for the release of detainees.
Whether the military presence will quell unrest or further inflame a deeply divided public remains to be seen. For now, Los Angeles stands at the center of a growing national debate over immigration, civil liberties, and the balance of power between local and federal government.
