LA protests stay updates: Trump mobilizes 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines to crack down on anti-ICE unrest
The Trump administration is set to deploy another 2,000 National Guard troops to assist in the response to protests against his immigration policies in Los Angeles.
They will join the 2,000 guardsmen already set to be stationed throughout L.A., as well as a contingent of up to 700 Marines mobilized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the decision, calling it “reckless” and “pointless,” claiming that only a few hundred of the original Guard troops have been deployed.
“This isn’t about public safety,” Newsom said. “It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego.”
The deployments come on the heels of violent clashes on Sunday night, where demonstrators took to the streets against ICE raids targeting migrants. Cars were set on fire, looting was reported in downtown LA, and 42 people were arrested.
Earlier on Monday, Newsom sued the administration over the original deployment of the Guard, which he believes has inflamed the situation, claiming it was illegal because he did not request the assistance.
In photos: Protestors and riot police clash into the evening in LA
ICYMI: Trump says ‘insurrectionists’ will be ‘hit harder than ever before’
Donald Trump continued to peddle his new catchphrase for the LA protest on Monday: “If they spit, we will hit.”
In a Truth Social tirade on Monday, the president sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and accused him of fomenting the “riots.”
“The Insurrectionists have a tendency to spit in the face of the National Guardsmen/women, and others. These Patriots are told to accept this, it’s just the way life runs. But not in the Trump Administration,” Trump wrote.
“IF THEY SPIT, WE WILL HIT, and I promise you they will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before. Such disrespect will not be tolerated!”
Full Marine battalion set to arrive in LA overnight to respond to protests
Roughly 700 U.S. Marines were set to arrive in Los Angeles on Monday evening from their base in Twentynine Palms, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Northern Command told the New York Times.
The Trump administration said the battalion was being sent to protect federal law enforcement officers and property in greater Los Angeles.
Veteran warns Trump may misuse military amid LA protests
Retired Major General Paul Eaton has criticised the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, calling it “the politicisation of the armed forces”.
“This is the politicisation of the armed forces,” he told The Guardian. “It casts the military in a terrible light – it’s that man on horseback, who really doesn’t want to be there, out in front of American citizens.”
Eaton, who oversaw the training of Iraqi troops during the US invasion, warned that the military deployment in LA could pave the way for invoking the Insurrection Act — an 1807 law allowing the president to use the full military force against insurrection or rebellion.
“We are headed towards the invocation of the Insurrection Act, which will provide a legal basis for inappropriate activity,” he said.
Australian P.M. breaks silence on ‘horrific’ footage of journalist being shot by rubber bullet
Anthony Albanese said that the footage of the Nine correspondent Lauren Tomasi being shot by a rubber bullet live on air Sunday is “horrific.”
The Australian prime minister said he has spoken to the Trump administration, according to the New York Times.
Addressing the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday evening, Albanese added that Tomasi was “an Australian journalist doing what journalists do at their very best.”
“In LA, it is not unreasonable to think that she would not have been targeted with a rubber bullet,” he said.
The P.M. noted she was “clearly identified as media” and that there was “no ambiguity” about that.
“We don’t find it acceptable that it occurred.”
LA Mayor makes plea to Washington: ‘Stop the raids’
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued a plea to Washington to “stop the raids.”
In a late-night tweet Monday, the mayor said that LA is a “city of immigrants” and accused the Trump administration of “attacking our people” as military presence in the city doubled to around 4,700 troops.
“There is a real fear in Los Angeles right now. Parents, workers, grandparents, young people scared to go about their daily lives,” she added.
Could California sue to challenge Trump’s move?
California could file a lawsuit, arguing that deployment of National Guard troops was not justified by Title 10 of the US Code, a federal law defining the role of the US Armed Forces, because there was no “rebellion” or threat to law enforcement.
A lawsuit might take months to resolve, and the outcome would be uncertain.
Because the protests may be over before a lawsuit is resolved, the decision to sue might be more of a political question than a legal one, experts said.
Marines are not political pawns, Newsom says
California Governor Gavin Newsom has lambasted the Trump administration’s decision to mobilize 700 U.S. Marines, with the battalion heading to Los Angeles on Monday night.
“U.S. Marines serve a valuable purpose for this country – defending democracy. They are not political pawns,” Newsom said.
The governor sharply criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for “illegally deploying” troops, claiming it gives Trump a talking point at the Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, which happens to be the president’s birthday.
“It’s a blatant abuse of power,” Newsom continued in his tirade. We will sue to stop this. The Courts and Congress must act. Checks and balances are crumbling. This is a red line — and they’re crossing it. WAKE UP!”
What does the law say about Trump sending troops to LA and ICE protests?
Donald Trump invoked Title 10 of the US Code, a federal law defining the role of the US Armed Forces, in his June 7 order to federalise members of the California National Guard.
Section 12406 of Title 10 permits the president to deploy National Guard units into federal service in specific circumstances, including invasion, rebellion, or if the president deems regular forces insufficient to enforce US laws.
An 1878 law, the Posse Comitatus Act, generally forbids the US military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.
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Is it safe to travel to LA? Your rights as immigration protests erupt across city
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any travel advice regarding the protests in Los Angeles.
The FCDO does have general advice on protests that occur in the US: “Protests are common and can become violent. Follow the instructions of local authorities who may introduce curfews or emergency orders.”
It adds that if you attend peaceful protests to be mindful of your surroundings, move away if there are signs of trouble, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
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Source: independent.co.uk
