Los Angeles Unrest Continues Amid Immigration Crackdown, Despite National Guard Deployment
Los Angeles, USA:
Widespread unrest continues to grip Los Angeles as violent protests erupt over the federal government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Despite the deployment of the National Guard on orders from President Donald Trump, the situation remains far from controlled. Chaos, street violence, and public outrage have persisted for three consecutive days.
The spark behind the ongoing turmoil is the aggressive immigration enforcement campaign initiated by the U.S. Immigration Department. This operation, targeting undocumented immigrants, has led to the detention of over 100 individuals in Los Angeles alone within the past week. In response, angry citizens, civil rights groups, and social activists have taken to the streets to oppose what they describe as inhumane and unconstitutional actions.
Protesters have torched multiple vehicles, including police cars, and blocked major roads across the city. Outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles—where several detained individuals are reportedly being held—hundreds of people gathered to demand their release. The demonstration turned violent when law enforcement attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas and rubber bullets. The police action, rather than calming the situation, appeared to ignite further anger, leading to stone-pelting and more destruction of property.
The National Guard’s presence, intended to restore law and order, has been met with criticism from both state leadership and the local population. California Governor Gavin Newsom has formally objected to the deployment, writing a letter to President Trump urging him to withdraw the troops. According to Governor Newsom, the deployment has only escalated tensions and is seen by many as a violation of the state’s rights.
Echoing these sentiments, California Congresswoman Nanette Barragán accused the President of using force to incite civil unrest rather than calm it. She emphasised that the Los Angeles Police Department is well-equipped to handle the situation independently and called for peaceful protest from all sides. Barragán further alleged that the federal government’s actions are creating fear and division in communities rather than promoting safety or justice.
President Trump, however, remains firm on his stance. In a public statement on Sunday, he blamed both Governor Newsom and the Mayor of Los Angeles for being “incompetent” and unable to manage the crisis, justifying his decision to send in the National Guard to enforce order.
Meanwhile, community leaders and organisations continue to protest near detention facilities, calling for an end to the nationwide immigration raids. As of now, the unrest in Los Angeles shows no signs of slowing, and tensions remain high amid what many view as a deepening constitutional and humanitarian crisis.