Los Angeles finds itself at the epicenter of a fervent and rapidly escalating national debate over immigration policy, as protests against federal raids and President Donald Trump’s unprecedented deployment of military forces grip the city. The arrival of 700 U.S. Marines, joining an already federalized contingent of 4,000 National Guard troops, has transformed parts of downtown Los Angeles into a tense standoff, drawing condemnation from local and state officials and igniting a broader movement of resistance across the nation.
Jakie Belillti, a Californian citizen, says: “Regarding Trump’s decision, I’m with Trump. Living in California, we pay very high taxes and with those Governor Newsom then goes and pays the illegals’ health care, education, places to reside and transportation. We have not had water for months, fire is destroying our country and they do not take responsibility.”
The unrest began Friday, June 6, following a series of aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across Los Angeles. Reports quickly emerged of uniformed federal agents conducting what many described as military-style operations, leading to dozens of arrests in predominantly immigrant communities. These initial raids sparked immediate outrage, with protesters taking to the streets, particularly around the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA, where many of the detained individuals were believed to be held.
Trump escalated the situation further by deploying 700 active-duty marines, a move that sent shockwaves through California and beyond. “City needs this to restore law and order” he said. This action marked a highly unusual instance of federal military intervention in domestic law enforcement without the explicit request or consent of the state’s governor. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it “illegal and immoral” and accused the Trump Administration of “manufacturing a crisis” for political gain.
“Regarding these riots, Newsom already let the Palisades burn to the ground and now this. He takes no responsibility and blames Trump. He by himself is destroying California” said Jackie.
Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, asserted that local law enforcement was capable of managing the protests and that the military deployment only served to escalate tensions.
“This situation started long ago, I totally agree with President Trump, we want to have a crime free state. This is ridiculous, these are barbarians, we are supposed to be a civilized country. We can’t live anymore with aggressive people. For our children, we want a safe city, this is Los Angeles” said Jackie.
While many protests have remained peaceful, some have seen clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Reports include instances of protesters throwing objects like fireworks and rocks, and some property damage, including self-driving cars being set ablaze. In response, law enforcement has deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs to disperse crowds, and a curfew was imposed in downtown Los Angeles for several nights. Over 1,500 individuals have reportedly been arrested in connection with the protests, with federal authorities also claiming to have “tens of thousands of targets” for further immigration enforcement actions.
The presence of armed Marines and National Guard troops, often standing shoulder-to-shoulder with riot shields and long guns, has created a visually striking and deeply unsettling scene for many Angelenos. Protesters, waving Mexican and American flags, have been heard shouting “shame” and “go home,” reflecting widespread anger over what they perceive as an authoritarian crackdown on immigrant communities and a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits the use of the military for civilian law enforcement.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, in a press conference in Los Angeles, defended the Administration’s actions, vowing to “liberate” the city and continue immigration crackdowns. Her press conference was notably interrupted by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, who was reportedly removed.
During No King day, on June 14, Trump’s birthday, many Americans protested: signs and slogans pointed the finger at what many call a dangerous authoritarian turn in executive power, relaunching a recurring message : “No thrones. No crowns. No Kings”. The intent was clear: to oppose any monarchical drift in US politics.
