Tensions are rising in Los Angeles as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue for a third day. The situation has escalated to the point where President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to help restore order. This decision has sparked a clash with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has called the deployment unlawful and a breach of state sovereignty.
The protests erupted after ICE agents faced violent backlash while conducting raids aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants. Reports indicate that demonstrators have been blocking highways and confronting law enforcement. In response to the escalating unrest, Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to assist with the situation, stating that the move was necessary to address the "lawlessness" in the area.
Governor Newsom quickly condemned the federal action, asserting that the state did not have a problem until the President got involved. He expressed his concerns in a letter to Trump, emphasizing that the deployment inflames tensions and diverts resources from where they are genuinely needed. Newsom has formally requested that the troops be returned to his command.
The deployment of the National Guard has raised questions about the legal framework governing military involvement in domestic law enforcement. The Posse Comitatus Act, established in 1878, generally prohibits the military from enforcing civilian laws unless certain exceptions apply. These exceptions include congressional approval or situations where state governments cannot maintain order.
As the situation unfolds, the Pentagon has indicated that it is prepared to send in 500 active-duty Marines if necessary. This potential escalation could further complicate the legal and political landscape surrounding the protests. The ongoing unrest highlights deep divisions over immigration policy and law enforcement practices in the United States.