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The Trump administration has announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following several days of escalating violence targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and other federal law enforcement personnel.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed on social media platform X that President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum authorizing the troop deployment in response to what she described as unchecked criminal activity in the area.
“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California,” Leavitt stated. “These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States.”
Leavitt emphasized the administration’s zero tolerance policy toward criminal acts, especially those targeting law enforcement. “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,” she wrote. “These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”
The move has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, whom Leavitt accused of abdicating their responsibilities to protect citizens.
Governor Newsom responded on X, condemning the federal deployment as unnecessarily provocative. “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers,” he wrote. “That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.” He added that local authorities are capable of managing law enforcement needs and expressed concerns that the deployment could erode public trust.
The National Guard mobilization comes amid a surge of unrest tied to immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Recently, ICE agents conducted several raids across the region, resulting in over 40 arrests. The situation further escalated when videos surfaced showing demonstrators throwing rocks and objects at Border Patrol vehicles.
This deployment marks one of the most significant federal responses to immigration-related unrest in California in recent years. While local officials maintain they have the situation under control, the White House has expressed deep concern over what it calls growing lawlessness directed at federal personnel carrying out lawful duties.
The National Guard deployment is expected to begin immediately under the authority of the Presidential Memorandum. However, no timeline has been provided for how long the troops will remain stationed in Los Angeles.
