Three days of clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Los Angeles have heightened tensions in the city amid President Trump's immigration crackdown. Local authorities have called for the withdrawal of National Guard troops deployed by the president, asserting that the move was intended to "manufacture chaos and violence."
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds demonstrating against Trump's immigration policies, leading to conflicts that saw protesters throw objects at police and set vehicles ablaze. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment of National Guard troops, saying it was unnecessary and exacerbated the situation.
Despite the unrest, much of Los Angeles continued its daily activities, with events like a Pride parade and concerts occurring without incident. However, downtown Los Angeles witnessed significant violence, with over 150 arrests reported since the protests began, and additional clashes in San Francisco where solidarity protests turned violent.
California officials, including Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, expressed concern over the federal response to the protests. They accused Trump of overstepping his authority and inflaming tensions for political gain. In contrast, Trump defended the National Guard's deployment, labeling the protests as radical and threatening.
In a rare move, Trump activated the National Guard without the request of the state governor, a decision that has not been made since 1965. This action has drawn criticism from state leaders who argue it undermines state sovereignty.
In a related development, the city of Glendale announced it would terminate its contract with federal immigration authorities to house detainees, citing community concerns and the divisive nature of the agreement.
As protests continued, demonstrators expressed solidarity with those affected by immigration raids, with many participating out of personal connections to immigrant communities. While some protests remained peaceful, others escalated, leading to violent confrontations with police.
The Los Angeles Police Department declared several areas as unlawful assembly zones, and tensions remained high as authorities sought to manage the situation. Meanwhile, life in other parts of the city largely continued unaffected, highlighting the complex dynamics of the protests and the city's diverse population.
As night fell, reports indicated ongoing clashes, with police and protesters engaged in confrontations, and the deployment of National Guard troops remaining a contentious issue among local and federal officials.