In Los Angeles on Sunday, tear gas was deployed against protesters. The incident occurred near the Metropolitan Detention Center, where National Guard troops were stationed. Demonstrators had approached the troops, shouting insults. Video footage showed officers firing canisters of tear gas, forcing protesters to retreat. The specific law enforcement agency responsible for the use of chemical irritants was not immediately clear.
Following the initial use of tear gas, further confrontations ensued, with loud popping sounds and protesters chanting slogans. One individual was taken to the ground by officers, and another appeared to be bleeding.
The deployment of approximately 300 National Guard troops to Los Angeles was ordered by President Donald Trump. This action was taken despite objections from Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democrats. Trump accused them of failing to address recent protests targeting immigration agents. This marked a significant escalation, as it appeared to be the first time in decades that a state's National Guard was activated without the governor's request.
The deployment of the National Guard followed two days of protests that began in downtown Los Angeles and spread to surrounding cities. Federal agents set up a staging area, leading to clashes with demonstrators who attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles. Agents responded with tear gas, flash-bang explosives, and pepper balls. Tensions were heightened after a series of immigration authority sweeps, resulting in numerous arrests.
Governor Newsom criticized Trump's actions, calling it a "complete overreaction." The recent protests were smaller than past events that led to the National Guard's presence in Los Angeles. The last time the National Guard was activated without a governor's permission was in 1965.
President Trump stated his intention to enforce "very strong law and order." He invoked a legal provision allowing him to deploy federal service members. He said he authorized the deployment of 2,000 members of the National Guard. Trump expressed concern about "violent people" in Los Angeles and indicated that officials who obstructed deportations could face charges.
There was some confusion regarding the timing of the National Guard's arrival. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused California politicians and protesters of defending "heinous illegal alien criminals." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to deploy active-duty Marines if violence continued.
Senator Bernie Sanders criticized Trump's order, calling it a move toward authoritarianism. House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the president's actions, criticizing California Democrats.
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