Key Points

Protests erupted in Los Angeles after ICE conducted sweeping immigration raids, leading to tense clashes with law enforcement. President Trump escalated tensions by deploying additional National Guard troops, calling the demonstrations an "assault on national sovereignty." Authorities fired tear gas as protesters chanted and threw water bottles at officers. California has sued the Trump administration, arguing the troop deployment is unconstitutional.

Key Points: LA Protests Escalate as Trump Deploys Troops Over ICE Raids

  • ICE raids trigger mass protests in Los Angeles
  • Trump deploys 2,000 more National Guard troops
  • Tear gas used as clashes escalate
  • California sues over federal troop deployment
3 min read

Protests in LA intensify over federal immigration sweeps, tear gas used

Tear gas fired as Trump sends National Guard amid LA immigration protests, clashes intensify between demonstrators and federal agents.

"This is what democracy looks like! – LA Protesters"

Los Angeles, June 11

Protests outside a federal detention centre in Los Angeles turned tense as law enforcement agencies, including the California National Guard and Department of Homeland Security, fired non-lethal tear gas outside the facility to disperse protesters, CNN reported.

Notably, the protests erupted after ICE agents conducted raids across the city, arresting dozens of undocumented immigrants.

According to CNN, the authorities cleared a path for an armoured vehicle to come through, while protesters chanted slogans.

The protesters were heard chanting: "This is what democracy looks like!" They were seen throwing water bottles at the officers.

The Los Angeles Police Department wrote on X a "dispersal order" had been issued: "The use of less lethal munitions has been authorised. Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort."

Earlier in the day, United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) called the protests in Los Angeles "a full-blown assault on peace, on public order, and national sovereignty," Al Jazeera reported.

The US President is speaking at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army.

"These guys are professionals. These are not amateurs," he said, adding he was working with US Senators to pass legislation to imprison people who burn the American flag for "one year."

According to Al Jazeera, Trump then took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, calling them "incompetent" and accusing them of paying "troublemakers, agitators, and insurrectionists" to participate in the protests.

"Their position is that the rioting will not stop unless ICE withdraws from Los Angeles and ceases the enforcement of federal immigration law," he said.

"So sad what they've done to our country."

Earlier, the Department of Defence confirmed that Trump is sending an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal law enforcement officers in Los Angeles.

Monday's deployment is in addition to the 2,000 National Guard troops ordered to deploy by Trump on Saturday, warning of tougher action against those protesting immigration arrests.

"At the order of the President, the Department of Defence is mobilising an additional 2,000 California National Guard to be called into federal service to support ICE & to enable federal law-enforcement officers to safely conduct their duties," Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of Defence for Public Affairs, wrote on X.

The latest deployment comes on the same day California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asking a judge to declare the deployments unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, More than 700 US Marines that were activated Monday to assist the National Guard in Los Angeles are standing by and awaiting orders outside the city, and many of them are undergoing additional training prior to assisting with the protests, CNN reported citing US officials statement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
America always lectures other countries about human rights, but look at how they treat their own people! Tear gas on peaceful protesters? Shameful. We've seen this hypocrisy before with BLM protests too. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Immigration issues are complex, but using military force against civilians is never the answer. In India, we handle protests with more restraint (most of the time). America needs to learn some patience and dialogue. 🙏
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Arjun S.
While I don't support illegal immigration, the heavy-handed response reminds me of what China does in Hong Kong. America is losing its moral high ground. Every country must balance security with humanity.
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Sunita P.
As someone whose cousin lives in LA, this is terrifying! The situation is getting out of control. Trump's rhetoric is only making things worse. Hope our Indian students there stay safe. 😟
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Vikram D.
Interesting to see US states fighting with federal government - reminds me of our Center-State tensions in India. But deploying military against citizens? That's crossing a line no democracy should.
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Neha R.
The protesters throwing water bottles shouldn't have done that, but tear gas is too much! In Mumbai protests, police show more restraint. America needs to handle this better - they're setting a bad example for democracies worldwide.

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