National Guard Confronts Los Angeles Protesters Amid Immigration Tensions

President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to protests against immigration raids led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The deployment was a rare federal override of state authority, drawing criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who urged calm and peaceful protest. Clashes erupted between protesters and National Guard members, with tear gas used to disperse crowds near the Metropolitan Detention Center and incidents of protesters throwing rocks at ICE vehicles. Legal experts note that while the troops can protect federal property and personnel, their rules of engagement are unclear, raising constitutional concerns about the use of military force against civilians. Trump described the protests as a riot and warned California officials who oppose law enforcement that they would face legal consequences. Critics, including protesters like Estrella Corral, called the National Guard deployment inflammatory and unnecessary.