Troops in LA – Did Dems Let It Happen?

National Guard troops are now on the ground in Los Angeles as anti-ICE riots escalate, following President Trump’s order to deploy 2,000 soldiers amid accusations that Democratic leaders downplayed the violence.

At a Glance

  • The California National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team has been deployed to Los Angeles to secure federal assets threatened by anti-ICE riots
  • President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to the city after protests turned violent, with rioters lighting vehicles on fire and assaulting officers
  • Los Angeles police initially stood by due to sanctuary city laws before finally intervening and declaring downtown protests illegal
  • Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem supports the deployment, while Governor Gavin Newsom calls it “purposefully inflammatory”
  • Two people have been arrested for assaulting peace officers, including one for throwing a Molotov cocktail

National Guard Mobilizes as Violence Erupts

The U.S. Northern Command has confirmed that elements of the California National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are now being deployed to Los Angeles County amid escalating anti-ICE riots. These troops are specifically tasked with protecting federal assets throughout the county, though specific locations remain undisclosed for security reasons. Additional Guard members are continuing to deploy as the situation unfolds, following President Donald Trump’s directive to send 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order in the city.

The deployment comes after what officials described as peaceful protests devolved into violence. Despite LAPD statements that protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights responsibly, video and photographic evidence has shown demonstrators lighting vehicles on fire, throwing rocks at law enforcement, and directly assaulting officers. Critics have accused Democratic leaders of downplaying the severity of the situation by continuing to label the events as “peaceful protests” despite clear evidence to the contrary.

Federal Response and Local Resistance

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has voiced strong support for President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to maintaining order. “President Trump is putting the safety of the communities being impacted by these riots and by these protests that have turned violent, and he’s putting the safety of our law enforcement officers first,” Noem stated, adding that the Guard’s presence is intended to “keep the peace” and prevent a repeat of the widespread riots seen in 2020.

“President Trump is putting the safety of the communities being impacted by these riots and by these protests that have turned violent, and he’s putting the safety of our law enforcement officers first”, said Kristi Noem.

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly criticized the federal intervention, calling it unnecessary and potentially dangerous. “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice,” Newsom declared, highlighting the growing tension between state and federal authorities over the handling of the situation.

Sanctuary City Complications

Los Angeles police have finally begun to intervene in the anti-ICE riots after initially being ordered to stand by due to the city’s sanctuary laws, which prevent local police from assisting federal immigration enforcement. LAPD and sheriff’s deputies have clashed with protesters in downtown LA and Paramount, with the department eventually declaring a downtown protest illegal and dispersing the crowd. Two people have been arrested for assaulting peace officers, including one individual who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at law enforcement.

“I want to make it clear: the LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement.”, said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

LA Mayor Karen Bass has criticized federal agents’ tactics, claiming they “sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.” Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Hegseth has described the situation as a national security risk due to the involvement of criminal cartels, even suggesting the potential use of Marines in response to the escalating crisis. Law enforcement has deployed tear gas during demonstrations as violence continues to spread throughout parts of Los Angeles. Over 100 migrants have been arrested by ICE since the raids began, further fueling tensions in the city.

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