On June 9, 2023, Los Angeles found itself in the midst of escalating unrest as protests erupted in response to President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The situation became dire enough for local law enforcement to declare downtown Los Angeles an unlawful assembly area, urging demonstrators to disperse.
In a surprising move, California officials criticized the White House's decision to deploy National Guard troops, asserting that such measures were unnecessary and only served to exacerbate tensions. Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to sue the federal government, stating, "This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted. He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard." This sentiment was echoed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who blamed the Trump administration for igniting chaos and tension through the military's presence in the city.
The protests in Los Angeles have become a focal point in Trump's ongoing efforts to tighten control over illegal immigration. The Republican president has vowed to deport record numbers of undocumented individuals and intensify border security, assigning the ICE border enforcement agency a daily target of arresting at least 3,000 migrants. However, the demonstrations took a violent turn, with some protesters reportedly throwing concrete projectiles and bottles at police officers. In response, law enforcement declared several rallies unlawful and extended this designation to encompass the entire downtown area. Officers on horseback attempted to manage the crowds, and reports indicated the use of flash-bang grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters.
During a media briefing, City Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the public's right to protest peacefully but condemned the violence exhibited by some demonstrators, calling it "disgusting." He noted that the protests were spiraling out of control, with police arresting 10 individuals on Sunday and 29 the previous night. Activist Vanessa Cardenas, leading the immigration advocacy group America's Voice, accused the Trump administration of inciting confrontations concerning immigration issues.
In light of California's threat to initiate legal action, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to social media to claim that Governor Newsom had done nothing to quell the violence plaguing Los Angeles. When asked about the necessity of the National Guard's presence, Police Chief McDonnell expressed uncertainty but suggested that a reassessment might be necessary given the escalating violence. In a social media post, Trump urged McDonnell to act decisively, stating, "Don’t let these thugs get away with this. Make America great again!"
The White House countered claims that Trump had inflamed the situation, stating, "Everyone saw the chaos, violence, and lawlessness." Reports indicated that around a dozen National Guard members, along with Department of Homeland Security personnel, were deployed to maintain order outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles. The U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 300 members of the California National Guard had been assigned to various locations in the area, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasizing their role in ensuring safety for both peaceful protesters and law enforcement.
Trump's stringent immigration enforcement measures have raised concerns, impacting even those legally residing in the U.S., including permanent residents, and prompting legal challenges. On social media, Trump labeled the demonstrators as "violent, insurrectionist mobs," directing his cabinet to take all necessary actions to quell what he characterized as riots. Despite his rhetoric, Trump has yet to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to deploy active-duty military forces to address civil disorder. He indicated that his decision would depend on whether the situation escalated to an insurrection. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that the Pentagon stood ready to mobilize active-duty troops if the violence persisted, with Marines at nearby Camp Pendleton on high alert.
This ongoing unrest in Los Angeles serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions in American society regarding immigration policies, and the situation remains fluid as local and federal authorities navigate the challenges posed by these protests.
