LA rocked by riots as protesters set cars on fire and hurl missiles at cops
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Trump sends 2,000 troops to LA as protesters tear gassed in violent clashes with cops over immigration crackdown
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DONALD Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after immigration raids sparked violent protests.
The move follows days of tense confrontations between immigration agents and protesters - with cops firing tear gas and using batons to disperse crowds.
Protesters clashing with law enforcement during a demonstration against immigration raids.
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Law enforcement stand during a protest in Compton, CaliforniaCredit: AP
A man on a motorcycle waves a Mexican flag during a protest; smoke rises from a burning car in the background.
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A demonstrator waves a Mexican national flag next to a car on fire during a protest following federal immigration operations in Los AngelesCredit: Reuters
Protesters clashing with law enforcement during a demonstration against immigration raids.
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Law enforcement clashes with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operationsCredit: AFP
Protesters clashing with law enforcement during a demonstration against immigration raids.
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Protesters demonstrating against operations conducted by federal immigration authorities clash with law enforcement officials in ComptonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Protestors and law enforcement clashing in the street amidst tear gas.
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Protests have been raging for days in LA over immigration raidsCredit: Getty
Trump’s immigration chief, Tom Homan, said on Saturday: "We are going to bring the National Guard in tonight. We are making Los Angeles safer.
"Mayor (Karen) Bass should be thanking us."
Officials said National Guard troops will arrive in LA in the next 24 hours.
On Truth Social, Trump blasting California's government as "incompetent" after "two days of violence, clashes and unrest".
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He added that masks will "no longer be allowed" to be worn at protests.
The president's troop deployment came after demonstrators hurled flaming projectiles, set cars ablaze, and swarmed federal vehicles in response to raids on undocumented migrants.
The confrontations mainly took place in the predominantly Latino suburb of Paramount.
The area - which is over 80 per cent Hispanic - has become a flashpoint for opposition to the raids.
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Tear gas and flash-bang grenades were used to disperse crowds, particularly outside a Home Depot in Paramount, where agents had established a staging area.
Protesters threw flaming projectiles, blocked roads with shopping carts, and set fires.
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“ICE out of Paramount. We see you for what you are,” one woman said through a megaphone.
Elsewhere, trains were halted after protesters jumped on the tracks near an immigration detention centre.
And organisers have reportedly called for more protests on Sunday.
As of early Sunday, clashes between cops and demonstrators were ongoing.
The New York Times reported escalating tensions in Paramount, with fireworks aimed at officers and pepper-spray projectiles used in response.
LAPD said unrest continues downtown, with arrests made for violating dispersal orders and some roads closed.
NBC News reported protests were winding down, with small groups still in the streets, though the exact location was unclear.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, meanwhile, told CNN that two deputies were injured during Saturday’s protests and were treated at a local hospital before being released with non-life-threatening injuries.
While the department had no confirmed reports of injuries to protesters, it noted that a Hyundai was burned and a fire at a strip mall was quickly put out.
According to Homeland Security officials, 118 undocumented individuals have been arrested in Los Angeles this week, including 44 on Friday.
What is the US National Guard?
THE US National Guard is a reserve military force made up of part-time service members who typically hold civilian jobs but can be activated for federal or state duty.Each state, territory, and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard, which can be mobilized by the state governor or the President.Can the President call the National Guard for local matters?Yes, but with limits.Normally, governors deploy their state's National Guard to handle local emergencies like natural disasters, protests, or civil unrest.The President can federalize the National Guard under specific laws, such as the Insurrection Act.This allows them to respond to domestic unrest if it's deemed beyond the capacity of local or state authorities.When federalized, National Guard troops operate under presidential command rather than the governor's.While it's unusual, a president can deploy the National Guard into a state without a governor's consent if certain legal thresholds are met.These typically involve threats to federal property, national security, or widespread breakdowns in public order.However, such actions are often politically and legally controversial.
Federal authorities claim the arrests include gang members and individuals considered national security risks.
The White House described the demonstrations as violent and accused California officials of failing to maintain order.
“These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States,” a statement said.
“That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.”
The interim US attorney for the Central District of California
Bill Essayli added that the National Guard is needed to "regain order".
He told the New York Times: "The state has an obligation to maintain order and maintain public safety, and they’re unable to do that right now in Los Angeles."
California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the move, accusing the federal government of inflaming tensions.
He warned on social media: “This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
U.S. Border Patrol agents firing tear gas at protesters.
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Border Patrol and protesters clash near a Home Depot in ParamountCredit: Getty
Protester throwing a rock amidst tear gas during a demonstration.
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A protester throws a rock in a cloud of tear gasCredit: AP
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies with rifles during a protest.
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Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in ComptonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Protesters attempting to light a Molotov cocktail during a fireworks display at a demonstration.
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Protesters attempt to light a Molotov cocktail as a firework explodes during a protest in ComptonCredit: AP
Protestors waving American and Mexican flags at a nighttime demonstration with a fire in the background.
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A demonstrator waves an American and Mexican flagCredit: AP
A car on fire during a protest in Compton, California.
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A car burns during a protest following federal immigration operations, in the Compton neighborhood of Los AngelesCredit: AP
But Trump fired back on Truth Social, writing: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs… then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
Newsom and Trump reportedly spoke for 40 minutes by phone on Saturday, though details of their conversation have not been disclosed.
That same evening, Trump attended the UFC 316 event in Newark, New Jersey.
Under federal law, the president can deploy the National Guard for missions including the "suppression of rebellion".
Critics argue that such actions, particularly in local jurisdictions, risk escalating tensions rather than calming them.
Mayor Karen Bass also denounced the raids, saying: “These tactics sow terror in our communities.”
Law enforcement officers in riot gear stand by a vehicle during a protest.
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Law enforcement clash with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations in ComptonCredit: AFP
Protesters kicking a Border Patrol vehicle during a demonstration.
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Protesters kick the side of a Border Patrol vehicle during a demonstration over the dozens detained in an operation by federal immigration authorities in ParamountCredit: AP
Border patrol agents deploying tear gas during a demonstration.
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Border Patrol personnel deploy tear gas during a demonstrationCredit: AP
Protesters confronting law enforcement officers.
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Protesters confront law enforcement agents outside an industrial park in ParamountCredit: AP
Protestor holding a sign that reads "Stop Kid-Napping Our Families Shame on You!!!" during a protest.
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A protester holds a sign after an ICE raid in ParamountCredit: The Mega Agency
Her remarks were sharply rebuked by ICE and DHS officials.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said: “Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement.”
Homeland Security accused some Democratic officials of inciting violence against agents, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating: “This violence against ICE must end.”
Angelica Salas, head of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said at a rally: “Our community is under attack and is being terrorised. These are workers. These are fathers. These are mothers. And this has to stop.”
Donald Trump waving to a crowd at a UFC event.
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US President Donald Trump attends the UFC-316 in Newark, NJ on Saturday nightCredit: Reuters
Screenshot of a Donald J. Trump tweet praising the National Guard's response to unrest in Los Angeles and banning masks at protests.
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Trump thanked the National Guard in a Truth Social post on Sunday morning
Local officials in Paramount expressed frustration with the federal operation.
Mayor Peggy Lemons said she was not informed of the Home Depot raids ahead of time.
“There is no communication and things are done on a whim. And that creates chaos and fear,” she told the Los Angeles Times.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that "active duty Marines" are also on "high alert", ready to mobilize if the violence continues.
Threatening to send in the Marines, Hegseth said: “The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil… and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK.”
On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Police Department said that most demonstrations had remained peaceful.
“We commend all those who exercised their First Amendment rights responsibly,” the LAPD said.
The department added that it remained “fully prepared” to respond to any civil unrest.
Despite some calm returning to Paramount, federal law enforcement officers continued to maintain a heavy presence in the area.
Los Angeles County Sheriffs standing during a protest in Compton, California, near a burned-out car.
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Los Angeles County Sheriffs stand during a protest in Compton near a burned down vehicleCredit: AP
A protester adds debris to a fire as border patrol officers stand by.
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A protester places debris in a fire as Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stand guard outside an industrial park in ParamountCredit: AP
A protester having milk poured on their face during a protest.
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A protester washes her face with milk after being hit with tear gas on Saturday in ParamountCredit: Getty
Flash bangs and tear gas were still being deployed periodically outside the Home Depot site, and witnesses reported migrants sheltering inside nearby businesses, afraid to leave.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino addressed protesters on X, saying: “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.”
He confirmed “multiple arrests” had been made for “obstructing operations".
Speaking from Los Angeles, immigration chief Homan stressed that ICE operations would continue.
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He said: “We’re bringing in more resources as we speak. We’re going to continue doing our job.”
He also warned of “zero tolerance” for violence or damage to property.
Law enforcement officer extinguishing a fire with a fire extinguisher.
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A law enforcement officer works to put out a fire during a protest in ComptonCredit: AP
Demonstrators protesting immigration raids burn a pallet in the street.
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Demonstrators shout and film at police during a protest in Paramount
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