President Donald Trump's administration has sent thousands more troops to Los Angeles on a fourth day of chaotic protests against immigration raids, as the unrest spread to other US cities. Some 700 US Marines have been deployed to the Los Angeles area and the contingent of National Guard troops mobilised to help quell the disorder has been doubled to 4,000. California Governor Gavin Newsom said the move was fulfilling "the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president". The state is suing the president for sending in troops without the governor's permission. It is highly unusual for the American military to have any domestic law enforcement role. It is the first time since 1965 that a president has sent National Guard troops to a US city without a governor's approval. US Marines were previously deployed domestically for major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the 11 September 2001 attacks. But the Trump administration has so far not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow the troops to directly participate in civilian policing. The 700 members of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, from Twentynine Palms, California, will help protect federal property and personnel, including immigration agents, said the US military. On Monday evening, Los Angeles police officers fired stun grenades and gas canisters to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who gathered outside a federal detention centre in downtown LA where undocumented immigrants have been held. National Guard forces formed a cordon to keep protesters out of the building in the heart of America's second largest city. LAPD said late on Monday afternoon some demonstrators had thrown objects at officers. Protests also sprang up in at least nine other US cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Austin and San Francisco. Demonstrators took to the streets of LA on Friday after it emerged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were raiding Latino areas. The protests unravelled into looting, self-driving cars being torched, rocks thrown at law enforcement and a major freeway blocked by demonstrators. LAPD say they arrested 29 people Saturday night and made 21 more arrests on Sunday. Suspects face charges ranging from attempted murder with a Molotov cocktail and assault on a police officer to looting. The LAPD also says more than 600 rubber bullets and other less-than-lethal rounds were used over the weekend. At the White House on Monday, Trump said his decision to send in the National Guard had stopped the city from "burning down". "You watch same clips I did: cars burning, people rioting, we stopped it," the president said. "I feel we had no choice." The Republican president said he supported a suggestion that California's governor should be arrested over possible obstruction of his administration's immigration enforcement measures. Newsom, who has engaged in a war of words in recent days with Trump, responded on X that "this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism". He said the troop deployment was "about stroking a dangerous President's ego". Trump meanwhile posted a warning to protesters in LA who confront police and federal forces. He wrote on social media: "IF THEY SPIT, WE WILL HIT, and I promise you they will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before. Such disrespect will not be tolerated!" His border tsar, Tom Homan, who has been conducting ICE raids, applauded Trump's show of force in LA. "I was there for two nights," Homan said on Fox News on Monday. "It was out of control. The city was burning. Governor Newsom did nothing." But at a press conference on Monday evening, LA Mayor Karen Bass said the deployment of troops was a "deliberate attempt" by the Trump administration to "create disorder and chaos in our city". The city leader also said she was aware of at least "five raids by ICE throughout the region" on Monday, including one near her grandson's school. On Monday, Governor Newsom's administration sued the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard. The lawsuit argued that the president was violating the US Constitution and state sovereignty. Trump has argued that Democratic President Joe Biden's administration allowed millions of immigrants to enter the country illegally. He has pledged to deport record numbers of undocumented migrants, setting a goal of at least 3,000 daily arrests.
Newsom says Trump 'deranged' as more troops deployed to LA protests
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Administration Deploys Troops to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests"
Bbc News
6.1
TruthLens AI Summary
In response to escalating protests against immigration raids, President Donald Trump's administration has deployed thousands of additional troops to Los Angeles. This marks the first time since 1965 that a president has sent National Guard troops to a city without the approval of the state governor. Approximately 700 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, have been dispatched to assist in protecting federal property and personnel, including immigration agents. The National Guard's presence has doubled to 4,000 troops to help manage the protests, which have erupted into violence and unrest across Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities, including New York and Dallas. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as a fulfillment of "the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president" and has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration for sending troops without his consent. The National Guard's involvement in domestic law enforcement is a rare occurrence, reflecting the significant tensions between federal and state authorities over immigration policies and enforcement actions.
The protests began in response to raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting Latino communities, leading to widespread demonstrations that turned chaotic, with instances of looting and violence reported across the city. Law enforcement has utilized non-lethal methods, including rubber bullets, to disperse crowds, which have included angry confrontations between demonstrators and police. President Trump defended his decision to send in troops, claiming it was necessary to prevent further disorder, while also threatening protesters with severe repercussions for disrespectful behavior towards law enforcement. The situation has intensified the ongoing conflict between Trump and Newsom, with both leaders trading accusations and criticism. Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles described the troop deployment as a deliberate attempt to create chaos, further complicating an already volatile situation. Amid these developments, Trump has reiterated his commitment to strict immigration enforcement, setting ambitious goals for deportations and emphasizing a need for strong measures against undocumented immigrants.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights significant tensions surrounding the deployment of troops in response to protests against immigration raids in the United States, primarily in Los Angeles. The situation is indicative of broader societal divisions and political dynamics, particularly regarding immigration policy and law enforcement.
Political Commentary and Public Sentiment
Governor Gavin Newsom's characterization of President Trump's actions as fulfilling a "deranged fantasy" reflects a strong disapproval of the federal government's handling of the protests. This language aims to frame the president's decisions as irrational and authoritarian, potentially influencing public perception against Trump's administration. The use of such charged language can serve to rally opposition and mobilize support among those concerned about civil liberties and state rights.
Unprecedented Military Involvement
The deployment of U.S. Marines and the increase in National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement is historically unusual, as it marks the first instance since 1965 where troops were sent to a U.S. city without the governor's consent. This raises questions about the limits of executive power and the role of the military in civilian affairs. By highlighting this action, the article emphasizes the potential overreach of federal authority, which may resonate with audiences wary of militarized policing.
Public Reaction and Protests
The unrest, which began in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Latino neighborhoods, showcases the heightened tensions surrounding immigration policy. The protests, which escalated into looting and clashes with law enforcement, reflect a growing frustration among marginalized communities. This narrative serves to amplify calls for immigration reform and greater protections for undocumented individuals, potentially galvanizing support from activist groups.
Implications for Society and Politics
This situation could have far-reaching implications for social cohesion, as the divide between federal and state authority deepens. The article suggests that tensions may continue to escalate, affecting public trust in government institutions and potentially influencing future elections. The narrative surrounding these protests could mobilize voters who prioritize civil liberties and social justice, potentially shifting political landscapes in upcoming elections.
Targeted Audiences
The framing of this news story may resonate more with liberal and progressive audiences who are critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies. It appears to target individuals concerned about civil rights, state sovereignty, and the militarization of law enforcement. Conversely, more conservative audiences might view the deployment of troops as a necessary measure to maintain order.
Economic and Market Reactions
While the article primarily focuses on social and political issues, the unrest could have indirect effects on the economy, especially in areas heavily impacted by protests. Markets may react to instability, particularly in sectors like retail and tourism in cities facing protests. Additionally, companies engaged in law enforcement and security may see shifts in their stock performance in response to perceived increases in demand for security services.
Global Context and Power Dynamics
The deployment of troops domestically also raises questions in the context of global power dynamics, particularly regarding how U.S. governance is perceived internationally. This situation could influence foreign relations, especially with countries concerned about human rights practices in the U.S. The current events parallel ongoing discussions about democracy and governance worldwide, making them relevant to global audiences.
Evaluating the reliability of this news report, it appears to be grounded in factual events, though the language used may reflect a particular editorial stance. The emphasis on terms like "deranged" and "dictatorial" suggests an agenda aimed at critiquing the current administration and mobilizing public sentiment against it. The article's selective focus on the potential abuses of power by the federal government may lead to a perception of bias, highlighting the importance of interpreting media through a critical lens.