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President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles as protests continue for a third consecutive day in response to federal immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The move comes after tensions flared between demonstrators and federal agents across several city blocks, as hundreds gathered to denounce the recent crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon is monitoring the situation closely and warned that active-duty troops could be mobilized if the unrest escalates. “The Marines at Camp Pendleton are on high alert,” Hegseth said during a press briefing. “We will not allow lawlessness in our streets.”
The protests began shortly after reports emerged of coordinated ICE operations targeting suspected undocumented immigrants in the Los Angeles area. Protesters have accused the administration of targeting immigrant communities unfairly and called for an immediate end to the raids.
City officials have urged calm, but emphasized the right to peaceful protest.
There has been no confirmation of serious injuries or arrests as of Sunday afternoon.
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