Tensions flared in Los Angeles on Sunday as police clashed with demonstrators near the Metropolitan Detention Center. The unrest followed the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops by President Donald Trump, aimed at curbing protests against federal immigration raids in the area.
Protesters gathered in response to recent mass arrests carried out by federal authorities, which included detentions in the city’s fashion district and a local Home Depot. Over the past week, more than 100 individuals have been taken into custody, prompting community outrage.
As the situation escalated, police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Footage showed officers firing tear gas canisters while protesters shouted at National Guard members, leading to pushing and shoving. Rob Reynolds, a senior correspondent for Al Jazeera, reported that police made numerous arrests and deployed various crowd control measures, including non-lethal rounds.
The National Guard’s presence has intensified feelings among some residents, who view it as an aggressive move by the Trump administration. Reynolds noted that while the troops were not directly engaging with protesters, their mere presence has sparked anger.
Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the situation, stating that while he did not see it as an insurrection, he was prepared to deploy troops to other cities if necessary. He described the protests as “Migrant riots” and urged his administration to take strong action to restore order.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s decision to send in the National Guard, arguing it would only inflame tensions. He urged residents to remain peaceful and not give in to provocations. Newsom has long been critical of Trump’s immigration policies and accused the administration of using heavy-handed tactics to distract from its agenda.
The protests have roots in fears surrounding recent immigration enforcement actions, which have left many in local communities feeling vulnerable. Alexandra Miller, an immigration justice attorney, expressed concern over the government’s approach, saying it seems designed to instill fear rather than address community needs.
The last time the National Guard was deployed in Los Angeles was during the riots in 1992, following the police beating of Rodney King. As protests continued, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that active-duty Marines were on standby, ready to be mobilized if the unrest persisted.
As the situation unfolds, the divide between federal actions and local sentiments remains stark, with many residents calling for a more compassionate approach to immigration enforcement.