ESCALATING THE DE-ESCALATING

Trump Deploys 2,000 National Guard Members to LA Amid ICE Protests

Governor Newsom condemned the move as “inflammatory,” but urged protesters to remain peaceful.

President Donald Trump has ordered the National Guard to Los Angeles to quell immigration protests amid clashes between demonstrators and local police.

Just hours after Trump border czar Tom Homan appeared on Fox News on Saturday to criticize Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass and tell the panel of The Big Weekend Show that Trump would be deploying the National Guard that evening, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the news in a post to X.

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California,” wrote Leavitt.

“In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.”

“The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”

Following Homan’s appearance on Fox News, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the decision to call in the National Guard as “inflammatory,” and claimed it was designed to escalate tensions.

Trump hit back at Newsom on Truth Social, writing, “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”

After Leavitt confirmed that Trump had ordered the National Guard to Los Angeles, Newsom tweeted again, writing, “The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles—not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle.“ Addressing protestors directly, he said, ”Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”

Newsom had previously condemned the ICE raids on Friday, releasing a statement through his office that read, “Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel. Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy.”

Bass responded to the news with a tweet of her own, sounding significantly more conciliatory than Governor Newsom and writing, “We’ve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

Confirming the news that the National Guard would be deployed, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed in a tweet that active duty Marines located at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, could also potentially be mobilized if the violence continues. He added, “Under President Trump, violence & destruction against federal agents & federal facilities will NOT be tolerated. It’s COMMON SENSE.”

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Catherine BourisReporter

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