Los Angeles, the second-largest city in America, is engulfed in chaos. Protests against immigration raids have been ongoing for two days, leading to clashes between demonstrators and federal agents. Tensions escalated on Saturday, prompting the Trump administration to announce the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops.
Los Angeles, California's largest city, ranks as the second-largest city nationwide by population, following New York City. It is also a major hub for Hollywood and the American film industry.
Currently, immigration raids are underway at local business establishments in Los Angeles, fueling growing opposition. On Saturday, President Donald Trump's administration stated that confrontations between federal agents and demonstrators had persisted for a second consecutive day, necessitating the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops. Trump's border advisor, Tom Homan, mentioned that the deployment aims to reinforce federal forces already present for crowd control.
While this move is viewed as an aggressive action in Trump's campaign against illegal immigrants, some California officials have expressed concerns.
Source: aajtak
A Deliberate Provocation: Governor Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom described this deployment as a 'deliberate provocation'. Responding on his social media platform 'Truth Social', President Trump posted, 'If California's Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cannot do their jobs—which everyone knows they cannot—the federal government will intervene to handle the rioters and looters as they should be handled.'
The Second Day of Protests...
Saturday marked the second day of clashes between federal agents and demonstrators in Los Angeles, stemming from anger over Friday's ICE immigration raid. The altercations occurred in the southeastern part of the city, Paramount, where federal agents donned gas masks and carried weapons to disperse protesters.
Tear Gas, Chants, and Mexican Flags
To disperse the crowds, Border Patrol agents used tear gas and flashbangs. The growing crowd of protesters chanted slogans and waved flags, including a Mexican flag. Many were recording the events on their mobile devices, and a portion of the street had to be cordoned off due to the chaos.
Some protesters covered their faces with masks, chanting 'ICE Out of Paramount,' while holding posters condemning immigration raids. Others stood resolute amidst the smoke-filled streets.
Scenes of a Siege
A live video shared on the internet depicted federal officers lining up behind shopping carts, creating a scene reminiscent of a military-style siege.
Source: aajtak
What Ignited the Unrest?
A widespread immigration raid was conducted on Friday in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of at least 44 individuals. According to the Department of Homeland Security, following the raid, nearly 1,000 protesters gathered outside a federal facility, reportedly causing property damage, slashing vehicle tires, and assaulting officers.
This operation is part of the Trump administration's policy aimed at expelling illegal immigrants from the United States.
Firm Stance from the White House
On Friday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller labeled the protests as a ‘rebellion against U.S. law and sovereignty,’ reiterating President Trump's goal of making at least 3,000 arrests per day.
Increasing Local vs Federal Tensions
Saturday's events deepened the tensions between local authorities and federal agencies. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has opposed the ICE raids from the beginning, condemning these operations as counterproductive and fear-inducing.
Source: aajtak
Karen Bass stated that these methods instill fear in the community and disrupt the basic sense of safety within the city. 'We will not tolerate this,' she asserted.
DHS Retaliates
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dismissed criticism from local leaders, accusing them of fueling anti-ICE sentiments. Assistant Secretary Trisha McLaughlin remarked, ‘From labeling us modern-day Nazi Gestapo to glorifying rioters... these sanctuary leaders’ incendiary rhetoric has crossed all bounds. This violence against ICE must end now.'
Source: aajtak
FBI Launches Investigation
The FBI has confirmed an investigation in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney's Office to review evidence related to the protests, aiming to identify any criminal activities.
