Los Angeles, CA – In the midst of protests against immigration raids, President Donald Trump has once again called for military intervention, declaring that things in Los Angeles are “really bad.”
Violent clashes erupted overnight as demonstrators continued to protest the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, demanding an end to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Violence and Looting Escalate Amid Protests
On Sunday, Los Angeles saw an influx of National Guard troops, less than 48 hours after protests first erupted. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump, accusing him of exacerbating the situation by sending in troops to “manufacture chaos and violence.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported 27 arrests over the weekend, warning that the situation was escalating. While law enforcement clashed with demonstrators, Newsom blasted Trump, calling him a “dictator” and blaming him for the chaos.
Trump and Newsom Continue War of Words
As tensions mounted, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accused California officials of facilitating an “invasion” by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. His comments followed a string of inflammatory remarks from Trump and his administration.
Meanwhile, Governor Newsom fired back, asserting that Trump’s actions were destabilizing and demanding a halt to the National Guard’s involvement.
Protests Spread Across the State
In a show of solidarity, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has organized additional protests at the state Capitol in Sacramento. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Los Angeles Unified School District are also leading rallies in response to the ICE activity. Despite the growing unrest, local officials, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, have condemned the violence, vowing to protect peaceful protesters while also ensuring safety in the city.
Public Safety and the Future of ICE in California
In response to the violent protests, the city of Glendale, a suburb of Los Angeles, made the decision to terminate its contract with ICE, marking a significant shift in the city’s stance on immigration enforcement. Glendale’s move has prompted public debate, as some argue the decision could further inflame tensions.
As protests continue throughout California, tensions between Trump and Governor Newsom show no signs of cooling. Newsom has challenged the president to arrest him for speaking out against the crackdown, further intensifying the already volatile situation.
What’s Next?
The protests are expected to continue through the week, with more demonstrations planned in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco. As violence between demonstrators and law enforcement intensifies, the state is grappling with how to address the tensions that have been brewing over the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The Author
Ellis Grant
Staff Writer, Readovia
