Trump Deploys 2,000 Troops In LA Amid Protests Against Immigration Raids, Issues Dire Warning

Last Updated:June 08, 2025, 07:42 IST

Protests erupted across Los Angeles after immigration agents arrested at least 44 people in the city on Friday. Smoke bombs and tear gas canisters were hurled to curb protests.

Trump administration doubled down on its immigration crackdow n amid protests in Los Angeles. (AFP)

US President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 Guard troops in Los Angeles as angry protesters clashed with federal immigration authorities for the second day on Saturday, as the administration ramped up the detentions of undocumented migrants in the city.

Trump issued a dire warning to the protesters, saying the federal government will step in and solve the problem if Los Angeles Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass are unable to do their jobs.

“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!!!" Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that 2,000 Guard troops will be sent to Los Angeles to arrest protesters. “The mob violence will be quelled, the criminals responsible will be brought to justice, and operations to arrest illegal aliens will continue unabated," she said on X.

“Insurrectionists carrying foreign flags are attacking immigration enforcement officers, while one half of America’s political leadership has decided that border enforcement is evil. Time to pass President Trump’s beautiful bill and further secure the border," said US Vice President JD Vance.

What Is Happening In Los Angeles?

Protests erupted across Los Angeles, California, after federal immigration authorities arrested at least 44 people in the city on Friday, prompting law enforcement to hurl smoke bombs and flash bangs to disperse the crowd that voiced their opposition on the streets against the detentions.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside a federal detention centre in Los Angeles, where they believed those arrested had been taken, chanting, “Set them free, let them stay!" Other protesters held signs that said “ICE out of LA!" while others led chants and shouted from megaphones.

The protests continued for a second day, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents clashed with angry protesters in in the suburb of Paramount, where demonstrators had gathered near a Home Depot that was being used as a staging area by federal immigration officials, according to reports.

Some protestors were seen waving Mexican flags during protests against ICE on Saturday while others set a US flag on fire. Cement blocks and overturned shopping carts were used as roadblocks, as normal life was disrupted.

“An insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States," White House deputy chief of staff and anti-immigration hardliner Stephen Miller said on X.

Federal agents in riot gear and gas masks lobbed flash-bang grenades and tear gas at the crowd in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Federal authorities have warned that offenders will be prosecuted. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said multiple arrests had been made following Friday’s clashes.

Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

News world Trump Deploys 2,000 Troops In LA Amid Protests Against Immigration Raids, Issues Dire Warning