LA protests escalate amid immigration raids

Los Angeles

Los Angeles has been gripped by intense protests since the weekend following a series of sweeping anti-immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration. The crackdown on illegal immigrants triggered clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, escalating tensions in the city and leading to the rare deployment of the National Guard.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump directed the US Northern Command to assume control of the California National Guard, authorizing the deployment of 2,000 soldiers to maintain order for up to 60 days or as directed by the Secretary of Defense. This unprecedented federal intervention has intensified the standoff between federal authorities and California’s state government.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment, calling it a politically motivated overreach and criticizing the lack of consultation before the decision was made. Newsom and Trump have publicly exchanged blame over who is responsible for the unrest, highlighting deep political divisions.

Protests, now in their third day, have seen demonstrators clashing with National Guard troops and law enforcement. Security forces have used tear gas, flash-bang grenades, rubber bullets, and other measures to disperse crowds. So far, at least 27 people have been arrested amid the escalating violence.

The unrest follows federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood and other parts of Los Angeles, which activists say have targeted vulnerable communities unfairly. The situation remains volatile as calls for calm continue while both sides maintain firm stances.