President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to California without the state’s consent marked a historic break from precedent the first time such an action has been taken since the 1960s. Approximately 300 troops were dispatched to Los Angeles over the weekend as protests over federal immigration raids entered their third day. Tensions escalated Sunday when tear gas was deployed on demonstrators who had approached the National Guard, though the source of the canisters remained unclear.
The protests began Friday in downtown Los Angeles and continued through the weekend, fueled by public outrage over a high-profile immigration operation at a local Home Depot. Demonstrators blocked traffic, waved flags, and carried signs demanding dignity and due process for immigrants. Videos captured by news crews showed major roads clogged with protesters refusing to back down.
California’s governor visited Los Angeles to meet with city officials and receive a security briefing. Democratic leaders across the country rallied in support, criticizing the president’s decision to override state control. They characterized the federal action as a reckless overreach of power meant to incite fear rather than maintain order.
A number of governors released a joint statement denouncing the move as both ineffective and dangerous, emphasizing that National Guard troops fall under state authority, not federal control, during peacetime. Meanwhile, Trump suggested the situation may warrant even more aggressive federal intervention, including the possible deployment of U.S. Marines to the area.
The administration has not ruled out legal consequences for state or city officials who resist federal immigration enforcement. Trump’s border advisor warned that any interference could result in serious repercussions, including legal action against the governor or mayor.
The friction between state and federal leaders represents a growing rift as both sides brace for what could become a prolonged standoff over immigration enforcement and federal authority.