LA protests: What to know as the National Guard mobilizes
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Protestors run away from tear gas during a protest in Compton, California, on June 7 after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. Photo: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Federal immigration sweeps in Los Angeles have prompted days of fiery protests and sparked a dispute between the state and federal government over how to respond.
The big picture: National Guardsmen and protesters faced off in LA Sunday in what officials described as an "escalating" situation, one day after President Trump signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to address the protests in a move that California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called "unlawful."
- U.S. Northern Command in a Sunday evening statement said some 500 Marines were prepared to deploy if called on by the Trump administration.
The latest: The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly for downtown LA on Sunday night local time, as Trump wrote on Truth Social "ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS" and "BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!"
- LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said at a Sunday night briefing that almost 60 people had been arrested during the unrest that was becoming "increasingly worse and more violent."
Situation report: The LAPD said on X that due to "demonstrators throwing objects" onto the southbound lanes of the 101 Freeway and "damaging multiple police vehicles," this stretch of road would "remain closed until further notice."
- Newsom urged protesters to remain peaceful after authorities deployed tear gas and the LAPD arrested several people, declaring an unlawful assembly and issuing a dispersal order after reporting on X that some people were "throwing concrete, bottles and other objects."
Here's what we know about the protests and response:
Why are there protests in LA?
Protesters in LA and nearby cities took to the streets late last week to push back on several immigration enforcement actions in the area.
- The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that ICE operations in LA last week resulted in the arrest of 118 immigrants.
- ICE officers issued search warrants at various spots, including outside a clothing warehouse where a tense encounter between protesters and agents occurred, AP reported.
- While the LAPD commended peaceful protesters, some demonstrations descended into chaotic clashes, where authorities deployed non-lethal ammunition, pepper balls and tear gas on Saturday and Sunday.
What they're saying: ICE acting director Todd Lyons said in a Saturday statement that more than 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal building in LA, and that it took the LAPD "over two hours" to respond.
- The LAPD said in a statement it "mobilized and acted as swiftly as conditions safely allowed," noting that "irritants" deployed by federal agents created a "hazardous environment" for officers.
- Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), who represents Paramount, told CNN Sunday that the protest began because people believed immigration officials were going to target day laborers at a nearby Home Depot.
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that the "crowd of protesters became increasingly agitated, throwing objects and exhibiting violent behavior toward federal agents and deputy sheriffs."
What we're watching: Barragán said she was advised to prepare for 30 days of ICE enforcement.
- "There's a way to do targeted ICE enforcement," she said. "It's been done for a long time. And that's when you're going after criminals. And that is not what's happening."
How has the Trump administration responded?
Trump's Border czar Tom Homan told NBC News Saturday that immigration enforcement will continue "every day" in LA and did not rule out whether Newsom or LA Mayor Karen Bass (D) could be arrested should they obstruct law enforcement.
- An ICE spokesperson in an emailed statement Sunday disputed comments by the LAPD and others that the protests were "peaceful" in a statement provided to Axios and said that "rioters committing crimes will be arrested and held accountable."
Friction point: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Saturday that if "violence continues," Marines at Camp Pendleton could be mobilized, prompting Newsom to describe this suggestion as "deranged."
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told ABC News Sunday he doesn't think mobilizing active-duty Marines would be "heavy-handed" and that it could have a "deterring effect."
Yes, but: Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said on NBC News Sunday that "active-duty Marines are not going to be put into local law enforcement."
- "They would be in support roles on it, as we have at the border," he said.
What do LA officials say?
Bass said in a Sunday statement that deploying the National Guard into LA on the heels of immigration raids is a "chaotic" escalation.
- "The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real — it's felt in our communities and within our families and it puts our neighborhoods at risk," she wrote. "This is the last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful."
Zoom out: Barragán added there is "no need" for the National Guard.
- "We haven't asked for the help. We don't need the help. This is [Trump] escalating it, causing tensions to rise," she said.
Go deeper: In photos: Trump deploys National Guard to LA as ICE protests enter 3rd day
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
Axios' Joann Muller and Rebecca Falconer contributed reporting.
