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Key Points

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has firmly rejected President Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops to the city during ongoing immigration enforcement protests. She expressed complete confidence in local law enforcement's ability to manage the situation and maintain order. Bass emphasized that while the immigration actions have been challenging for the community, she will not tolerate any violent demonstrations. The mayor stands in direct opposition to Trump's characterization of the protests, maintaining that local authorities are fully capable of handling the current tensions.

Key Points: Bass Defies Trump's National Guard Deployment in LA

  • Mayor Bass strongly refutes Trump's claim of local leadership incompetence
  • 300 National Guard troops already deployed in LA
  • Protests erupted after ICE immigration raids
  • Bass condemns violence while supporting immigrant community
3 min read

LAPD can handle things in Los Angeles, Mayor Bass speaks out against Trump's national guard deployment

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass rejects Trump's National Guard troops, affirms local law enforcement's ability to manage protests

"I do not believe that is called for because I am confident that LAPD and other law enforcement agencies can handle things in Los Angeles - Karen Bass"

Los Angeles, June 9

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has expressed confidence in the city's ability to manage ongoing protests without the need for President Donald Trump's National Guard troops, as per CNN.

"I do not believe that is called for because I am confident that LAPD [Los Angeles Police Department] and other law enforcement agencies like the sheriffs can handle things in Los Angeles," Bass said in response to a decision by President Donald Trump to send 2,000 National Guardsmen to the city.

Since Bass made those comments, about 300 troops have arrived in three locations across the city, CNN reported, citing the Mayor's statement to ABC7.

The protests erupted after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids across the city, arresting dozens of undocumented immigrants. Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order during the demonstrations.

The Democratic mayor was also asked to respond to Trump's claim that he was forced to step in because neither she nor Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom was capable of stopping the protests themselves.

"I certainly reject the notion that neither the governor or I can do our jobs -- we've been in close collaboration and having said that -- I've also been in close communication and collaboration with representatives in the White House so I reject that notion and feel that we can be in charge and deal with what has happened here," she said.

Bass also said the immigration enforcement actions have been "very, very difficult" for many in the city, but added that "under no circumstances is violence acceptable."

"And when violence happens, it's going to be dealt with. And frankly, I think when there is violence, it really compromises the cause that people are actually fighting for," she told ABC7.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, in a post on X, described the demonstrations as "violent mob assaults" intended to block the removal of "criminal illegal aliens."

"The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil; a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels (aka Foreign Terrorist Organisations) and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK," Hegseth wrote. He added that if the violence continues, active duty Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton are on high alert and may also be deployed.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the deployment was essential to "halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals" and blamed California's Democratic leadership for allowing lawlessness to fester. "Violent mobs attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents," she said.

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the federal response, calling it "purposefully inflammatory" and warning that such deployments would erode public trust. "Donald Trump's chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America's economy," Newsom said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments on this news article:
R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see how US handles protests compared to India. Here, state police always handle law and order first before central forces are called. Sending troops immediately seems excessive - shows lack of trust in local administration. Hope LA situation resolves peacefully 🙏
P
Priya M.
The language being used ("invasion", "mobs") reminds me of how some politicians here describe border situations. When leaders use such words, it only increases tensions. Mayor Bass seems more measured in her approach - violence is wrong but so is unnecessary militarization.
A
Arjun S.
As someone who follows both Indian and US politics, this looks like another Trump drama before elections. In India too, we've seen central govts override states for political gains. But sending military for immigration issues? That's next level! LAPD is professional enough to handle this.
S
Sunita R.
The situation is complex - illegal immigration needs to be addressed but with humanity. In India we've seen how harsh crackdowns can backfire. Hope both sides show restraint. Mayor Bass is right that violence hurts the cause, but troops might escalate things further.
V
Vikram J.
While I don't support illegal immigration, calling Marines for this? Really? In Mumbai or Delhi, our police handle much bigger protests without army involvement. This seems more about Trump's re-election campaign than actual law and order needs. Federal overreach is worrying.

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