On Sunday, June 7, California National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles in response to ongoing protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. However, Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, declared the deployment unlawful and demanded that the Trump administration withdraw its order to send 2,000 troops to Los Angeles County.

The protests, now in their third day, have resulted in clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The Los Angeles Police Department labeled a protest near City Hall an "unlawful assembly" after claiming that some individuals threw objects such as bottles and concrete at officers. Arrests followed, and video footage showed protesters shouting at police and blocking the 101 Freeway downtown.

Governor Newsom accused President Trump of attempting to create a false crisis and undermining the state's authority. In a social media post, he compared Trump’s actions to those of a dictator. Meanwhile, Trump referred to the protesters as "violent, insurrectionist mobs" and promised strong action, warning of retaliation against those who disrespect police or troops.

National Guard personnel were also seen in Paramount, where confrontations had occurred the previous day. In total, authorities arrested about 30 people on Saturday, three of whom were suspected of assaulting officers. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office reported minor injuries to three deputies. The FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information about a suspect who injured a federal officer by throwing rocks. Although Trump has issued strong warnings, he has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to use the military to quell civil unrest. When asked if he might invoke it, he said it would depend on whether an actual insurrection occurred.

Los Angeles officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, criticized the federal response, saying local law enforcement was capable of handling the protests. They accused the Trump administration of escalating tensions. Vanessa Cárdenas of America’s Voice, an immigration advocacy group, also condemned the deployment, saying it was a politically motivated abuse of power. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the move, stating that the Guard would protect buildings, peaceful protesters, and officers.

On Friday, ICE arrested at least 44 individuals in Los Angeles for immigration-related offenses. Homeland Security later released details about the criminal records of some detainees. Trump has pushed for record levels of deportation and tight border control, but critics say the enforcement has affected even legal residents and led to legal disputes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also criticized the U.S. actions, saying immigration issues should be solved through reform, not raids or force.

Trump justified the deployment using Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which governs the armed forces. However, Title 10 typically requires such orders to go through state governors. It remains unclear if Trump had the authority to deploy the National Guard without Governor Newsom’s approval. The memo stated that troops would temporarily protect ICE and federal personnel involved in enforcing immigration law and securing federal property where protests were happening or expected.