Tags: Los Angeles Protests, Anti-ICE Demonstration, Trump National Guard, Waymo Vehicles Vandalized, LAPD Response, Immigration Raids, Karen Bass, Federal Troop Deployment
National Guard Deployed to LA Amid Growing Anti-ICE Unrest
The Trump administration has officially deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to California in response to intensifying anti-ICE protests across Los Angeles. What began Friday night has now expanded into a full-scale demonstration, leading to confrontations between protestors and law enforcement, and even vehicle arson.
President Trump issued a memorandum describing the deployment as a move to “address lawlessness” tied to growing public outrage over immigration enforcement raids. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the action, warning it would “escalate tensions” and accused the federal government of attempting to seize control over state military resources.
LAPD Response Time Disputed by Federal Officials
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons alleged the Los Angeles Police Department took over two hours to respond during Friday’s clash outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell strongly refuted that claim, stating that police responded within 40 minutes, though congestion and prior tear gas deployment by federal agents slowed access.
McDonnell clarified the department’s stance: “No part of the LAPD would delay a response in a federal emergency. That simply didn’t happen.”
Mayor Bass: Federal Troops Will Only Worsen the Crisis
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass publicly criticized President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard, calling it “chaotic escalation.” In her press briefing, Bass emphasized that Los Angeles does not require federal military presence and warned that placing troops on city streets could provoke further unrest.
“The fear in our city is real. These troops are not what we need,” Bass said. She appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and exercise their First Amendment rights responsibly, warning that acts of vandalism or violence “will not be tolerated.”
Bass also disclosed that she had directly communicated with federal officials, including border czar Tom Homan, to express her strong opposition to the deployment, stating plainly: “If you want chaos, put troops on the ground when there’s no need.”
Protesters Torch Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Downtown LA
Tensions boiled over Sunday night when demonstrators set fire to at least two Waymo self-driving vehicles and vandalized several others in downtown Los Angeles. Protesters reportedly spray-painted anti-ICE and anti-Trump messages before igniting the cars.
The incident unfolded during a chaotic evening where crowds shut down the 101 Freeway and clashed with police equipped with riot gear, rubber bullets, tear gas, and flashbangs. Riot police and National Guard troops protected federal buildings, including a detention center reportedly housing immigrants detained in recent raids.
Horseback police patrols and militarized security presence marked a stark image of Los Angeles under federal occupation—highlighting the sharp division between local and federal authorities in managing the ongoing crisis.
As protests show no sign of slowing, the situation in Los Angeles remains volatile, with further demonstrations and federal responses expected in the days ahead.
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