In Breaking News from California, the Trump administration has sent about 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles (LA). This move comes as protests spread across the city and other parts of the United States after a series of tough immigration raids. The action is being called “authoritarian” by California leaders, who say it’s a dangerous use of military force against U.S. residents.
Troops Sent to LA as Immigration Protests Spread Nationwid
- 4,000 Troops Deployed, Protests Continue
The Trump administration originally said 2,000 troops would be sent, but California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was later told an additional 2,000 would come. However, only 300 had been actively deployed by Monday. The rest were waiting in federal buildings without orders. Also, 700 Marines were expected to join the forces—a very rare step for domestic operations. - Protests Break Out Nationwide
Demonstrations started in LA and quickly spread to cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, and Dallas. Most protests were peaceful, with people holding signs like “No human being is illegal” and “No more ICE.” In LA, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also held a major rally. However, some protests led to clashes with police, who used rubber bullets and tear gas to control crowds. - Union Leader Arrested, Lawsuit Filed
David Huerta, the head of a large California workers’ union, was arrested while observing ICE raids. His arrest added to public anger. He was charged with trying to block officers and could face up to six years in prison. California later filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, saying the deployment of troops went against the state’s rights and that there was no emergency or violence that justified such military force. - Emotional Stories from Families Affected
Families of those arrested shared heartbreaking stories. One woman said her father was “kidnapped by ICE” during a raid on a garment factory. Others said their family members were taken away in chains and locked in a basement without food or water for over 12 hours. LA Mayor Karen Bass said most people detained were denied lawyers and taken to secret locations. She accused the federal government of using the city as a test for future crackdowns.
Growing Concerns Over Federal Power
Trump’s decision to send federal troops to LA is one of the largest domestic military deployments in recent history. It’s the first time a president has taken this action without a governor’s request since the 1965 civil rights protests. Trump praised the National Guard, saying they prevented LA from being “completely destroyed.”
His advisor Tom Homan said ICE arrested “bad people,” including gang members and criminals, but admitted many detained had no criminal record. Homan also threatened to arrest California leaders like Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, which many saw as a move toward dictatorship.
Civil Rights Groups Speak Out
Human rights groups, like the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, criticized the police for using violence against peaceful protesters. At least 600 rubber bullets were fired, and multiple journalists were injured. One Australian reporter was hit by a rubber bullet at close range while filming.
LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell admitted that rubber bullets do not always hit the intended targets. He also expressed concern about Marines being sent to help guard just two federal buildings, calling it an unnecessary show of force.
A City of Immigrants Under Attack
Los Angeles County is home to 3.5 million immigrants, one-third of the population. Many work in local industries and have lived in the U.S. for years. Protesters said the community is being unfairly targeted and that mass raids, new travel bans, and sudden deportations are creating fear and chaos.
In the words of Sergio Perez, a human rights lawyer: “When you attack immigrants in a city like LA, you will see a massive response. These people are part of our lives, and they won’t be taken without a fight.”
