Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard to LA as anti-ICE protests escalate to violence
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents executed arrests of illegal migrants across the country.
President Donald Trump on Saturday night deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles as protests against immigration arrests escalated into violence for a second straight day.
“We’re gonna bring the National Guard in tonight, and we’re gonna continue doing our job,” White House Border Czar Tom Homan told Fox News. “We’re gonna push back on these people, and we’re gonna enforce the law.”
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents executed arrests of illegal migrants across the country, hitting the Los Angeles area intensively the last few days, street protests broke out and eventually developed into rioting Friday night.
The unrest broke out again Saturday afternoon and the White House moved to reinforce agents with troops while warning the Democratic leaders of California to step up and stop the violence or face consequences.
“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States," the White House said.
"In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens," it added. "That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.
Trump took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democrat leaders for failing to stop the violence.
"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!!!” Trump wrote Saturday night on his Truth Social platform.