Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard troops amid anti-ICE protests in LA
Border Patrol personnel deploy tear gas during a demonstration over the dozens detained in an operation by federal immigration authorities a day earlier in Paramount section of Los Angeles Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly Saturday night and were moving protesters of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids off the streets in downtown Los Angeles as the Trump administration ordered the deployment of the California National Guard.
Police marched side by side, then created a line as they clashed with protesters, after they remained despite being told they had five minutes to leave the area of Alameda Street between Aliso and Temple streets, ABC7 video showed.
Meanwhile, 2,000 National Guard troops were being deployed for additional potential encounters with protesters.
Earlier, a Blackhawk helicopter landed on a Paramount street and was unloaded of what appeared to be large amounts of weapons and ammunition. Video from Channel 7 showed the resupply effort near a Department of Homeland Security office at 6321 Alondra Blvd. around 5:45 p.m. Saturday. FOX News Channel reported that the office was being used as a staging area for immigration raids.
Trump administration officials vowed to prosecute any demonstrators who break the law in violent demonstrations that accompany immigration raids in Los Angeles, and accused Democratic elected officials of fueling lawlessness.
Early Saturday evening, the White House issued a statement:
“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s reckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.
Tear gas fills the street as protesters confront Border Patrol personnel during a demonstration over the dozens detained in an operation by federal immigration authorities a day earlier in the Paramount section of Los Angeles, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester. The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”
That afternoon, after learning of the action, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement, saying, “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.
A fire burns as a protester stands across the way from Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks outside an industrial park in the Paramount section of Los Angeles on Saturday, June 7, 2025 (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
“L.A. authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need. The Guard has been admirably serving L.A. throughout recovery.”
Newsom concluded, “This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement Saturday night. It read, “Today, demonstrations across the city of Los Angeles remained peaceful, and we commend all those who exercised their First Amendment rights responsibly. The Los Angeles Police Department appreciates the cooperation of organizers, participants and community partners who helped ensure public safety throughout the day.
Police detain a man during a protest in the Paramount section of Los Angeles, Saturday, June 7, 2025, after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
While today’s events concluded without incident, the Los Angeles Police Department remains fully prepared to respond swiftly and appropriately to any potential acts of civil unrest. Our commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety and well-being of all Angelenos continues — day and night.”
“We will maintain a heightened readiness posture and remain ready to ensure the continued safety of our communities,” the statement added.
Mayor Bass put out a statement, saying, “This is a difficult time for our city. As we recover from an unprecedented natural disaster, many in our community are feeling fear following recent federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County. Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning. We’ve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: Violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Law enforcement stand during a protest in the Paramount section of Los Angeles, Saturday, June 7, 2025, after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger also weighed in with the following statement, “In light of the recent federal immigration enforcement operations that have taken place in Los Angeles County, I want to remind our residents that the right to protest is a fundamental constitutional freedom and I strongly support the right of individuals to express themselves peacefully. However, I urge all those who choose to protest to do so without resorting to violence or unlawful behavior.
“Engaging in vandalism, obstructing law enforcement or committing acts of violence undermines the very principles of democracy and freedom that we all value. I will closely monitor any developments of civil unrest this evening across our County. I will not condone attacks against local, state or federal law enforcement officers or any attempt to cause them harm.
“We must uphold both our rights and our responsibilities as members of this community. Let us come together in a manner that reflects the strength, dignity and respect for which Los Angeles County stands.”
L.A. County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis released a statement that read, “Over the past 24 hours, numerous reports have emerged of ICE activity across Los Angeles County. In response, many inour community, including advocacy groups and concerned residents, have exercised their First Amendment rights to protest peacefully and speak out against these actions. As we navigate this difficult time, it is essential to remain calm and focused. Do not resort to violence. Our strength is in our unity and our commitment to justice through nonviolent action.
“I am closely monitoring the situation. If you or a loved one needs support, please know that the county’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is here for support.
“Now more than ever, we must move forward with unity, compassion and resolve.”
LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto also issued a statement. “The dangerous escalation of the tactics being used across Los Angeles undermines trust between our immigrant communities and government, and makes us all less safe. Immigrants are our family members, our neighbors, our coworkers and our classmates, and raids such as these do nothing but bring fear to our neighborhoods and our residents. All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to constitutional protections including due process and equal protection. If you or someone you know needs information about your immigration rights, you can visit Know Your Rights for information and additional resources.”
Assemblymember Mark González, D-Los Angeles, represents the 54th Assembly District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello and Vernon. He chimed in Saturday night, saying in a statement, “As the federal government continues to engage in intimidation and violence, we call on federal lawmakers to uphold due process and keep Donald Trump accountable.”
He added, “The latest attempt to seize control of California’s National Guard and provoke unrest is not about public safety — it’s about destroying communities. California will not be complicit in the deportation of our undocumented community.
I urge all Californians to speak out, show up, but do so peacefully. We don’t meet cruelty with chaos — we meet it with courage and clarity.”
In addition to city and county officials, a statement was released by Victor Leung, chief legal and advocacy officer at the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, who wrote, “The Trump administration’s baseless deployment of the National Guard is plainly retaliation against California, a stronghold for immigrant communities, and is akin to a declaration of war on all Californians.
“Workers in our garment districts or day laborers seeking work outside of Home Depot do not undermine public safety. They are our fathers and mothers and neighbors going about their day and making ends meet. Rather, the only threat to safety today is the masked goon squads that the Trump administration has deployed to terrorize the communities of Los Angeles County.
“There is no rational reason to deploy the National Guard on Angelenos, who are rightfully outraged by the federal government’s attack on our communities and justly exercising their First Amendment right to protest the violent separation of our families. We intend to file suit and hold this administration accountable and to protect our communities from further attacks.”
Around 7 p.m. Saturday, the California Highway Patrol announced that a demonstration had formed and was blocking lanes of traffic on Alameda South of Aliso Street, and advised caution in the area. The department also stated that at the direction of Gov. Gavin Newsom, it will be deploying additional resources in Los Angeles to help maintain public safety on state highways and roadways. The statement added: “The CHP is aware of the federal immigration activity in Los Angeles County. We want to be clear: The CHP is not and will not be involved in these operations. Furthermore, we had no knowledge that they were scheduled to occur.”
The LASD confirmed that it responded about 11 a.m. to the Home Depot for traffic control and “general public safety” in response to federal activity there.
“ICE has brought their terror tactics and masked agents to #Paramount this morning — in my district,” Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-San Pedro, wrote on X. “This is unacceptable. We will demand answers and accountability. For those out there – please stay safe, protest peacefully, and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.”
The raids began Friday morning as agents from what appeared to be multiple federal law enforcement agencies could be seen escorting men in handcuffs into vehicles outside a Home Depot at 1675 Wilshire Blvd. in the Westlake District.
The Service Employees International Union California issued astatement saying the union’s president, David Huerta, was “injured and detained” during the raids.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Los Angeles, said Huerta was arrested at downtown’s Roybal Federal Building.
“Huerta was tased and brutalized for attempting to visit his union members — asylum applicants going through the immigration process legally who have been unjustly, indefinitely detained and are being held in inhumane conditions,” Kamlager-Dove said.
Huerta later issued a statement while still being treated at a hospital.
“What happened to me is not about me; this is about something much bigger,” he said. “This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice that’s happening. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice.”
Rep Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park, said in a statement Saturday that “It is clear that SEIU President David Huerta was exercising his right to observe law enforcement activity and stand with community in peaceful protest to these raids. I stand with David and with immigrant communities across this country, and demand his immediate release along with the release of those detained in the raids.
“I will not allow this administration to tear apart families and terrorize neighborhoods. Immigrants strengthen our nation and every person in this country has a right to due process. We need answers. We need accountability. And we need to put an end to Donald Trump’s inhumane and disgusting attacks on immigrant communities.”
On Saturday night, SEIU California posted on X, “Military style ICEraids in our communities. David Huerta was beaten and dragged away. Because he saw them and stood up for justice. Because he’s not afraid. Neither are we. On MONDAY let’s #FreeDavidHuerta, #FreeThemAll. 11 a.m. @ Grand Park in Downtown LA (200 N. Grand Ave.)”
Also Saturday, a group of local congressional Democrats said they were blocked from entering the Roybal Building to ensure that the detainees were being treated humanely.
“The reports of what is happening inside the Roybal Federal Building is a complete violation of our laws and a stain on our values as a country,” said Rep. Luz Rivas, D-Arleta, who said that she, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, Rep. Norma Torres, D-Ontario, and Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, were denied entrance.
“The Trump administration blocked my colleagues and me fromconducting our congressional oversight duties into the reported abuses and neglect that is taking place at this facility. Whether Donald Trump and his administration likes it or not, our job as members of Congress is to shine a light on their actions toward immigrant families — and we will not be deterred. We will continue to use our power to protect our most vulnerable from the inhumane actions of this administration.”
In response to a query from City News Service, an FBI spokeswoman said specific details about immigration operations and arrests must come from Homeland Security Investigations as the lead agency, but she offered the following statement on the FBI’s posture regarding immigration arrests:
`The FBI is supporting our partners at the Department of Homeland Security in their immigration operations all over the country, as directed by the attorney general. The FBI is accustomed to providing investigative and technical assistance to our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners on a regular basis.
“As we have been asked to do, we are sending agents to participate in these immigration enforcement efforts. That includes assisting in cities where major operations are already underway and where we have special agents embedded on operational teams with DHS. Our help may vary depending on what DHS needs, such as SWAT operators, who can support high risk arrest operations, and other resources such as intelligence analysts and technical support working from command posts.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said his officers had nothing to do with Friday’s raids.
“The LAPD became aware that ICE was conducting operations in the city of Los Angeles. I’m aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos, so I want to make it clear: The LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. While the LAPD will continue to have a visible presence in all our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual’s immigration status. (CNS)
