California governor has pushed back against the US president’s move to suppress pro-immigrant riots in his state
President Donald Trump has directed top federal officials to take “all such action necessary” to end days of violent unrest in Los Angeles, ordering the deployment of National Guard troops and vowing to “liberate” the city from what he described as an “invasion” by criminal migrants.
“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday. “Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free.”
The president said he instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to coordinate with federal agencies to quell the unrest.
Trump’s comments follow two days of clashes between protesters and federal immigration agents, prompting Trump to authorize the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops.
— Film The Police LA (@FilmThePoliceLA) June 8, 2025
Tensions peaked Sunday afternoon as hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. Video footage showed National Guard troops facing off with protesters behind riot shields. At one point tear gas was fired, but authorities have not confirmed which agency used force or what triggered the escalation.
Nat Guard/DHS threw tear gas canisters and smoke grenades into the crowd. Protesters and media hit. Pellet rounds deployed. All to seemingly clear path for a convoy of DHS/Border Patrol vehicles. I got hit but fine after an eye rinse. pic.twitter.com/DYN5NnuXjn
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal “takeover” of California’s National Guard as unconstitutional and politically motivated, formally demanding that President Trump withdraw the order and return control of the troops to the state.
— Film The Police LA (@FilmThePoliceLA) June 8, 2025
“We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved,” he claimed in a on X. “This is a serious breach of state sovereignty – inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed.”
Nat Guard/DHS threw tear gas canisters and smoke grenades into the crowd. Protesters and media hit. Pellet rounds deployed. All to seemingly clear path for a convoy of DHS/Border Patrol vehicles. I got hit but fine after an eye rinse. pic.twitter.com/DYN5NnuXjn
The unrest began Friday and intensified Saturday in the cities of Paramount and Compton, following multiple immigration raids in which over 100 people were arrested. Demonstrators attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles, and some threw rocks and debris at officers. Federal agents responded with tear gas, pepper balls and flash-bang grenades.
Homeland Security officials accused local politicians of failing to uphold public safety. “Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Critics say Trump’s move bypasses constitutional norms. Senator Bernie Sanders described the deployment as “a president moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, by contrast, defended the order, blaming California’s Democratic leadership for the disorder.
While previous National Guard deployments in Los Angeles were initiated by state officials, this marks the first federal override since the 1960s civil rights era. It remains unclear how long the troops will remain in the city. Defense Secretary Hegseth warned that active-duty Marines could be deployed next if the violence continues.
