Former President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 federalized National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles following days of escalating protests over immigration enforcement. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, prompting LAPD to declare downtown L.A. an “unlawful assembly.”

Though city officials requested help, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s intervention as unconstitutional and politically motivated. The Trump administration defended the move, citing threats to public safety and federal property. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Newsom of losing control and allowing attacks on ICE agents. In response, Newsom vowed legal action, accusing Trump of provoking conflict and violating state sovereignty. Tensions escalated when Trump, during a press briefing, joked about Newsom being arrested by ICE. While federal forces are working with LAPD to restore order, critics warn of a dangerous precedent. The standoff highlights deep divisions over immigration, executive power, and federal-state authority as Los Angeles remains under military oversight.