Protests in L.A. escalate as National Guard deployed amid clashes over federal immigration operations, drawing criticism from local officials.

Protests in Los Angeles escalated over the weekend as demonstrators clashed with police on Highway 101. The California Highway Patrol used flash bang grenades to disperse protesters who had flooded the area in opposition to federal immigration operations.

As the protests continued for a third day, law enforcement sought to contain the crowd near key government buildings. Demonstrators expressed their discontent through graffiti and set fire to vehicles, while police deployed mounted units in response.

President Trump ordered the National Guard to assist law enforcement, citing the need to protect federal agents and property. Approximately 300 troops were positioned around a federal detention centre after Trump stated that the situation warranted such a response.

Dangerous escalation

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the National Guard’s deployment as a dangerous escalation and suggested it undermined state sovereignty. California Governor Gavin Newsom requested the Trump administration rescind the order, arguing that the state had not required federal intervention.

Numerous Democratic governors voiced concerns, asserting that local authorities should be allowed to address civil unrest without federal interference. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that active-duty Marines could be sent to reinforce the National Guard if violence persisted.