Over 200 demonstrators clashed with National Guard troops in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, marking a dramatic escalation in protests against recent federal immigration raids across California. The unrest followed a series of high-profile operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that resulted in more than 100 arrests since June 6.
Footage from local broadcaster ABC 7 showed armored vehicles and uniformed personnel dispersing crowds, with protesters reportedly using tear gas and projectiles. One demonstrator told Xinhua: "We want to protest peacefully. However, the Trump administration just sent soldiers to fight against us. Is it necessary?"
California Governor Gavin Newsom urged restraint via social media, stating: "Do not use violence and respect the law enforcement officers trying their best to keep the peace." The deployment marks the first unilateral activation of a state's National Guard by a U.S. president without gubernatorial request since 1965, according to legal expert Elizabeth Goitein of the Brennan Center for Justice.
The clashes highlight growing tensions between federal authorities and local communities, with Washington vowing to continue enforcement actions despite widespread opposition. Analysts suggest the situation could influence ongoing debates about immigration policy and federal-state relations ahead of the U.S. election cycle.
