Protests Erupt Across Los Angeles Over Trump Administration's Immigration Raids; At Least 2,000 National Guard Troops Deployed – Over 100 Arrested

Protests Erupt Across Los Angeles Over Trump Administration's Immigration Raids; At Least 2,000 National Guard Troops Deployed – Over 100 Arrested
Washington, June 8, 2025

On Saturday, the Trump administration announced that the National Guard would be deployed to Los Angeles following large-scale protests that erupted across the city in response to widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Saturday evening:
"If Governor Gavin Newscum of California and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles can't do their jobs — which everyone knows they can't — then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!"

According to a memo issued by the president, at least 2,000 National Guard troops are being deployed under his Title 10 authority “for 60 days or as long as deemed necessary by the Secretary of Defense.”

President Trump previously used similar Title 10 authority to deploy troops to the U.S.-Mexico border after taking office in January.

A Defense Department official told CBS News that the majority of the 2,000 troops are members of the California National Guard.

The memo further states:
"The Secretary of Defense may, as necessary, employ other members of the regular Armed Forces to assist in the protection of federal functions and property in any number deemed appropriate at his discretion."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media that the National Guard was being deployed “immediately” to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. He added that if violence continues, active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton in San Diego could also be deployed, and that they are currently on “high alert.”

Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar, told Fox News:
"We’re bringing in the National Guard tonight. We’re going to continue doing our job. We’re going to push back on these people and enforce the law."

A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom said Saturday night that Newsom spoke with President Trump for around 40 minutes.

Earlier, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Newsom wrote:
"The federal government is taking control of the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 troops. This move is deliberately provocative and will only escalate tensions. L.A. authorities are fully equipped to receive law enforcement support when needed. There is currently no unmet need. The Guard has been actively assisting the city with recovery efforts. This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust."

Newsom also said that additional California Highway Patrol units were being deployed to the Los Angeles area to help maintain peace.
"The federal government is deliberately creating chaos to justify further intervention. This is not the conduct of a civilized nation," he added.

It remains unclear whether the president can deploy the National Guard without the governor's approval.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said in a Saturday night post:
"We are in direct contact with federal officials in Washington, D.C., and working closely with law enforcement to determine the best path forward."

By invoking Title 10, the president circumvents restrictions set by the Posse Comitatus Act, a U.S. federal law that limits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement unless specifically authorized by the Constitution or Congress.