The San Francisco Chronicle has reported a significant request from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. In a letter dated Sunday, Noem requested the military to detain or arrest "lawbreakers" in Los Angeles. Legal experts have raised concerns that this letter may be an attempt to bypass federal laws that restrict military involvement in domestic law enforcement, potentially invoking the Insurrection Act.
In an interview with CNN, former Trump administration border czar Tom Homan defended the plan to deploy troops. Homan stated, “It all depends on the activities of these protesters – I mean, they make the decisions.” He emphasized the unpredictability of the protests, noting that nighttime gatherings tend to escalate in size and violence. Homan assured that the military would be prepared to protect government property and law enforcement personnel.
On Monday, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell expressed his concerns regarding the potential arrival of federal military forces, stating that it would present significant logistical challenges for local law enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the troop deployment, claiming that the Secretary of Defense is illegally sending them onto American streets for political gain, specifically referencing an upcoming parade. Newsom announced plans to file a lawsuit to prevent what he termed a "blatant abuse of power," urging both the courts and Congress to take action.
According to ABC News, up to 700 Marines from a battalion based in Twentynine Palms, California, are mobilizing to respond to the protests. These Marines are set to aid the more than 2,000 members of the National Guard already deployed by Trump to Los Angeles. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced plans to file a lawsuit against both Trump and Hegseth, arguing that the deployment of the National Guard is an attempt to create chaos for political purposes and infringes on California's rights.
The situation in Los Angeles has escalated, with at least 60 arrests reported in San Francisco as police confronted a group of protesters opposing the Trump administration's immigration policies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump commented on the LAPD’s reassessment of the National Guard's involvement, insisting that action should be taken against the protesters. The LAPD reported a total of 27 arrests, with ongoing tensions in the downtown area.
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, temporarily removed its vehicles from downtown Los Angeles following guidance from the LAPD, citing safety concerns. Several Waymo vehicles were reportedly set ablaze, raising alarms about the potential health risks from burning lithium-ion batteries.
As tensions rise, Newsom reiterated his intention to sue Trump, alleging that the president's actions have exacerbated the situation. The LAPD declared gatherings in downtown Los Angeles as an "UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY," urging attendees to disperse. Reports also indicated a man attempted to drive his van into protesters, leading to his detention.
In an interview with MSNBC, Newsom challenged the Trump administration, inviting them to arrest him in response to threats from federal officials. He accused Trump of stoking unrest through his actions and confirmed that a lawsuit would be filed against the federal government. Meanwhile, California’s Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis stated that they expect to file a federal lawsuit challenging the legality of the National Guard's deployment.
As the situation unfolds, the presence of the National Guard continues to be a contentious issue, with local officials asserting that the protests could have been managed without federal intervention. The developments in Los Angeles highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement, military involvement, and civil rights, raising questions about the balance of power between state and federal authorities.
