Trump sends National Guard amid immigration protests in Los Angeles
Baku, June 8, AZERTAC
US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city of Los Angeles to break up protests sparked by immigration raids, according to a White House statement late Saturday.
"In light of these incidents and credible threats of continued violence, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard under 10 U.S.C. 12406 to temporarily protect ICE and other United States Government personnel who are performing Federal functions, including the enforcement of Federal law, and to protect Federal property, at locations where protests against these functions are occurring or are likely to occur based on current threat assessments and planned operations," Trump said in a statement.
To the extent that protests or acts of violence directly prevent the enforcement of laws, they represent "a form of rebellion" against the authority of the government, Trump added.
He said he authorized and instructed the secretary of defense to work with governors and the National Guard Bureau to identify and activate the necessary National Guard members and units under the directive.
"The members and units of the National Guard called into Federal service shall be at least 2,000 National Guard personnel and the duration of duty shall be for 60 days or at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense," he said.
"In addition, the Secretary of Defense may employ any other members of the regular Armed Forces as necessary to augment and support the protection of Federal functions and property in any number determined appropriate in his discretion," he said.
A White House spokeswoman said the operations are a must to "reverse the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States."
"In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. 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," said Leavitt.
Stating that the Trump administration has "a zero tolerance" stance on criminal acts and violence, particularly when directed at law enforcement officers carrying out their duties, Leavitt warned that those responsible will be promptly arrested and held accountable.
"The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely," she said.
Describing the deployment of troops as being “purposefully inflammatory," California Gov, Gavin Newsom warned it would increase tensions.
“This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust,” Newsom said.
Trump had slammed Newsom in a post on X, claiming that his administration had to intervene because Newsom and the mayor of Los Angeles were unable to control the immigration protests.
“If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” Trump wrote on X, before announcing the signing of the memorandum.
Immigration authorities and protesters have been clashing for two days in the Los Angeles area, following unrest that began Friday after dozens were detained by immigration agents at various locations.
The arrests occurred as part of Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, which has included widespread raids and deportations nationwide.
Over the two days, law enforcement officers in riot gear used tear gas and flashbangs to break up crowds in downtown Los Angeles and Paramount, with officials reporting multiple arrests Saturday.
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