Protests escalate in Los Angeles hours after Trump deploys National Guard troops
Law enforcement officials and protesters clashed in Los Angeles, with tension mounting in the city amid the deployment of the National Guard by US President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Multiple Waymo vehicles set ablaze here in LA pic.twitter.com/p2iVDUbEIL
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) June 9, 2025
According to media reports, police used tear gas and “less-lethal munitions” to disperse the crowd that had been demonstrating against Trump's immigration crackdown and deployment of the National Guard.
An UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been declared for the Civic Center area of DTLA.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 9, 2025
A number of people have been arrested.
All people are to stay away from the Civic Center area of DTLA.
Effected areas: Alameda ~ Los Angeles St ~ Aliso ~ Commercial ~ Main St ~ Spring St ~ Temple…
Thousands of Angelenos swamped the streets around city hall, the federal courthouse and a detention center where protesters arrested in the days before are being held, reported The Guardian.
Several cars were reportedly set on fire by the demonstrators.
Sunday marked the third day of the protest against Trump's immigration.
⚠️Traffic Advisory⚠️ Due to demonstrators throwing objects onto the SB lanes of the 101 Freeway and damaging multiple police vehicles, the 101 SB Freeway will remain closed until further notice.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 9, 2025
LAPD Central Division wrote on X: "Demonstrators have halted vehicles on Los Angeles North of Arcadia St and ignited the vehicles. Our partners with LAFD are attempting to enter the area to extinguish the fire."
Several politicians object to Trump's decision
Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard troops was objected to by local officials.
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, wrote on X: "I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command."
I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 8, 2025
We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while… pic.twitter.com/SYIy81SZdH
"We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed," he said.
Trump's political rival and former US Vice President Kamala Harris reacted to the current situation in Los Angeles and said the deployment of the National Guard troops is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos.
My statement on what's unfolding in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/rujs8mrVPK
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 8, 2025
"The Administration's actions are not about public safety-they're about stoking fear," she said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles has been a chaotic escalation.
"The City will remain focused on protecting all who call L.A. home," she wrote on X.
Friday-Saturday clashes
Protests erupted around Los Angeles on Friday, which led to the arrest of 44 people.
The arrest occurred amid Trump's crackdown on immigration.
Law enforcers on Saturday used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse the crowds in Paramount, California. Some protesters were reportedly detained.
