US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the streets of Los Angeles on Saturday in a move the White House described as an effort to suppress protests following widespread protests sparked by federal immigration enforcement raids.

The decision marked a rare federal takeover of California’s state military, allowing troops to be deployed to the country’s second-largest city. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move as "purposefully inflammatory," warning it would escalate tensions rather than ease them.

"This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust," Newsom stated on social media, adding, "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."

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The escalation followed two days of confrontations between demonstrators and federal agents, primarily centered in the suburb of Paramount, while federal agents were seen using tear gas and flash-bang grenades on crowds protesting against arrests carried out during sweeping immigration raids.

Footage circulating on social media showed a vehicle set ablaze at a busy intersection, and a man wearing a motorcycle helmet throwing rocks at federal vehicles. 

In one incident, a crowd surrounded a US Marshals Service bus on a freeway exit, prompting authorities to shut down nearby on-ramps to prevent additional protesters from entering the area. Additionally, makeshift roadblocks made of overturned shopping carts and cement blocks were used to hinder traffic flow.

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High tensions following workplace raids

Friday's raids, led by masked and armed immigration agents, targeted workplaces in various parts of Los Angeles, sparking hours-long standoffs with crowds of angry residents. Paramount, a predominantly Latino suburb with approximately 50,000 residents, became a focal point of the protests. According to US Census data, over 80 percent of Paramount’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged community concerns, saying, "Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable."

Some demonstrators were seen waving Mexican flags, while others set a US flag on fire. Chants demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents leave the area were heard throughout the day.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump had signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying the National Guard to "address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester," placing blame on what she referred to as California’s "feckless" Democratic leadership.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added that if unrest continues, active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton could be mobilized, warning that "They are on high alert."

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed multiple arrests related to the clashes, stating, "You bring chaos, and we'll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail."

Since taking office in January, Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, carrying out what he calls a "zero tolerance" policy against undocumented migrants, whom he has previously referred to as "monsters" and "animals."

The White House’s hardline approach drew sharp criticism from California officials and rights advocates. Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, labeled the protests "an insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States."