President Trump’s military deployment to Los Angeles ignites protests, arrests, and a high-stakes legal clash with California over immigration enforcement powers.
At a Glance
- President Trump deployed at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles under Title 10 to protect federal immigration officials amid protests
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a downtown curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. after declaring a local emergency due to looting and unrest
- California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming the deployment violates state sovereignty
- Police made 197 arrests during protests, with seven officers injured during clashes
- The deployment of National Guard and Marines is costing $134 million
Federal Forces Enter Los Angeles
A constitutional confrontation erupted as President Trump activated Title 10 powers to deploy over 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. The action aims to reinforce Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations following mass protests and civil unrest sparked by immigration raids. According to the order, troops will remain for 60 days unless terminated earlier by the Secretary of Defense.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the federal presence could expand, especially if Trump invokes the Insurrection Act, a move that would authorize direct military enforcement on domestic soil—though that has not yet occurred.
Watch a report: National Guard deployed amid LA unrest.
Local Curfews and Rising Tensions
In response to escalating protests, Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency and imposed a nightly curfew across downtown Los Angeles. Running from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., the curfew applies to a one-square-mile zone and exempts homeless individuals, emergency workers, and journalists. LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell reported 197 arrests and seven officers injured during clashes.
Bass justified the action saying, “We reached a tipping point,” while McDonnell emphasized the curfew was necessary “to protect lives and safeguard property” after multiple days of civil unrest. ICE activity has continued amid the protests, now bolstered by military convoys.
Legal Challenge and Political Fallout
California Governor Gavin Newsom has mounted a legal challenge against the federal deployment, accusing the Trump administration of violating state sovereignty and manufacturing a crisis. Newsom stated, “Trump sent troops… to manufacture chaos and violence,” warning that this precedent could allow similar interventions nationwide.
President Trump fired back publicly, labeling protesters as “animals” and attacking Newsom and Bass for their “horrible job” managing Los Angeles. Legal scholars, including Loyola Law Professor Jessica Levinson, cautioned that the use of Title 10 in this context presents serious constitutional implications regarding federalism and civil authority.
Broader Unrest and National Cost
Solidarity protests erupted in cities like Austin and Dallas, amplifying fears of national escalation. Marines have joined the Guard in Los Angeles, adding to a deployment now costing taxpayers an estimated $134 million. As legal battles mount and public outrage spreads, Los Angeles has become the epicenter of a growing test of American democratic norms.
