President Donald Trump has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after two days of intense protests against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Federal officers arrested more than 100 people in those operations, and the deployment aims to support law enforcement as tensions continue to rise.
In downtown Los Angeles’s Fashion District, ICE agents raided Ambiance Apparel, a clothing wholesaler, detaining dozens of employees inside the building. Protesters gathered outside by early afternoon, pressing their hands and faces against the glass to check on loved ones. When agents in riot gear moved to clear the crowd, they used flash‑bang grenades and pepper spray. People yelled insults at the officers, and one woman shouted, “How do you sleep at night, tearing apart families?” before officers loaded a dozen detainees into vans.
Meanwhile in Paramount, a standoff broke out at a Home Depot near Alondra Boulevard. This store sits at a popular gathering spot for day laborers looking for work. Protesters overturned shopping carts to block entrances and set small fires in the street. Agents responded with tear gas and grenades that produce a loud bang and bright light. Border Patrol officers formed a line in front of their vehicles. Some protesters used cardboard as shields as they approached. One man suffered a head wound, and several people faced charges for assault on federal officers.
At both sites, local police walked a fine line. The Los Angeles Police Department stated it would not take part in immigration arrests or check anyone’s papers. However, after federal partners called for help, LAPD officers arrived to “separate the parties and keep the peace.” Critics pointed out that officers held back for more than two hours during the Fashion District clash, even after multiple 911 calls. City council members demanded an explanation and called for a review of the department’s role.
The White House issued a memorandum on June 8, 2025, directing the National Guard to help “address lawlessness” around these demonstrations. The order cited reports that ICE agents felt outnumbered and had to wait nearly two hours for LAPD support when more than 1,000 protesters surrounded a federal building. White House Border Czar Tom Homan, present in Los Angeles during the weekend, told Fox News that the Guard would arrive soon to back up ICE and local officers.
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move, calling it “designed to inflame the city” and arguing that state and city police already have enough resources to keep order. He said no formal approval was needed because the president used federal authority. Newsom warned that sending troops could bring more unrest instead of calming the streets.
Federal officials defended their actions by pointing to the scale of the protests and the risk of injuries. The Department of Homeland Security reported that ICE arrested 118 people over two days, including some who face other criminal charges. They said agents acted with restraint but needed extra help to secure federal property and protect officers.
Analysts note this step marks a rare domestic use of the National Guard for immigration protests. Past deployments focused on natural disasters or civil unrest tied to policing. Some experts warn that troops on city streets could strain trust between local communities and law enforcement, while others say the show of force may deter larger protests.
As troops move into position, community leaders plan more rallies to protest both the raids and the Guard’s presence. Organizers promise peaceful marches and encourage families to attend with children. City officials have urged calm and called for dialogue between federal, state, and local leaders. In the coming days, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if the Guard can help restore order or if the city faces further clashes over immigration policy.
