Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 soldiers to crack down on “riots” in Los Angeles, the Governor of California has confirmed. The US President has claimed that local officials “can’t do their jobs” after tear gas, stun guns, and riot shields were used to push back demonstrators yesterday. Protests began outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles on Friday after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out raids in the city.
Around 400 people gathered in Paramount, a city south of LA, according to police. On the decision to deploy the national guard, Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom said on X: “That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need. The Guard has been admirably serving LA throughout recovery.
“This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
Trump said in a post on Truth Social: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
At least 44 individuals were detained on suspicion of alleged immigration offences during raids on Friday, Sky News reports.
The Department of Homeland Security said crowds of around “1,000 rioters” formed, and some “assaulted law enforcement officers, slashed tyres, and defaced taxpayer-funded property”.
LA Mayor Karen Bass said: “This is a difficult time for our city. As we recover from an unprecedented natural disaster, many in our community are feeling fear following recent federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County.
“Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning. We’ve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward.
“Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”