Los Angeles in Turmoil: National Guard Deployed as Protests Over Immigration Turn Violent

Federal Forces Mobilized as City Descends into Unrest

Los Angeles is teetering on the edge of chaos as immigration protests erupt into violence, prompting an unprecedented federal response. Under the direction of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and USNORTHCOM, around 2,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized under Title 10 authority to protect federal property across the region.

U.S. Army North has activated Task Force 51, led by a two-star general, to command these operations. Approximately 300 soldiers from California’s 79th Infantry Brigade are currently deployed in Los Angeles, Paramount, and Compton. Meanwhile, about 500 U.S. Marines from Twentynine Palms are on standby.

Street Protests Turn Violent

The unrest follows days of growing outrage over intensified ICE raids across Southern California. Demonstrations that began peacefully escalated into street confrontations, vandalism, and freeway shutdowns. On June 8, protesters blocked the 101 Freeway near the Metropolitan Detention Center, prompting riot police to deploy tear gas and flash-bangs.

One of the most symbolic acts of protest occurred when a Waymo self-driving vehicle was torched in downtown Los Angeles. Images of the burning SUV, along with others showing shattered windshields, went viral on social media. Waymo has since suspended services in the area, citing employee and public safety concerns.

Local Leaders Oppose Federal Escalation

Mayor Karen Bass criticized the military presence, calling it a “chaotic escalation” that puts lives at risk. “The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real,” she wrote, urging residents to avoid violence but warning that such federal actions only deepen community tensions.

Governor Gavin Newsom took an even firmer stance, labeling the deployment “illegal and immoral.” In a series of social media posts, he announced plans to take legal action against the Trump administration for violating state sovereignty.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, a native of Los Angeles, joined the criticism, stating that the military deployment was a “dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos” and accused the Trump administration of spreading “panic and division.”

Republicans Defend Trump’s “Law and Order” Agenda

President Donald Trump has defended the deployment, calling the protests an “insurrection” led by “violent mobs.” With backing from Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump has framed the military response as necessary to restore order in a city local leaders have lost control of.

“This moment calls for decisive leadership,” Vance posted. “The president will not tolerate rioting and violence.”

Speaker Johnson condemned Governor Newsom, stating, “Gov. Gavin Newsom is inexplicably standing with criminals who ATTACK our brave @ICEgov agents… President Trump did exactly what he needed to do to restore order. That is real LEADERSHIP.”

Trump also posted directly to Truth Social, referencing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell’s concerns:

In a separate post, the president added: “ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!”

FBI Investigating Attacks on Federal Agents

The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office has launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly assaulted a federal officer and damaged government property during the unrest. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.

Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis issued a statement warning that interference with lawful warrants will be met with full federal prosecution:

A City Gripped by Fear, Caught in a National Struggle

With helicopters circling overhead, checkpoints on major arteries, and National Guard patrols on the ground, Los Angeles remains under intense strain. Calls for peace are rising even as political and legal clashes grow louder. The city, caught in the crosshairs of federal enforcement and local resistance, is bracing for what may come next.