Downtown Los Angeles was out of control for a third day running as security forces deployed chemical agents and rubber bullets to disperse protesters opposing the deployment of National Guard units.
The deployment of these forces followed a controversial decision by U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking fierce opposition.
Despite strong objections from both California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the military deployment proceeded, intensifying anxiety and escalating tensions within local, mainly migrant communities.
The president’s move comes during a period of aggravated backlash against the tightening of immigration policy. The demonstrations were triggered by recent migrant arrest operations, which resulted in over 100 arrests within a matter of days.
Hundreds of citizens gathered outside the Federal Detention Centre, protesting the National Guard presence. With chants of “shame” and “get out of our city,” demonstrators demanded the immediate withdrawal of military forces.
Authorities responded forcefully: tear gas, pepper bullets and smoke grenades were deployed to disperse the crowd, followed by protesters blocking Highway 101.
Governor Newsom, in a letter to Trump, characterised the action as a flagrant violation of California’s sovereignty and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard.
The president, for his part, defended his decisions, stating that law enforcement action was necessary to prevent potential uprising: “There are dangerous people in Los Angeles and we will not allow them to take advantage,” he declared.
Unrest in Immigrant Neighbourhoods
The demonstrations were not confined to the city center.
Disturbances erupted in areas with strong Latino presence, including Paramount and Compton. In Paramount, protesters attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles, followed by incidents involving chemical agents and flash-bang grenades.
Trump: “We Will Impose Strict Order”
The US President assured that his administration would be relentless against any attempt to incite unrest: “We will not let the situation get out of hand. If necessary, we will send troops to other cities as well. Law and order will prevail,” he declared.
It should be noted that, according to former Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth, this marks the first time since 1965 that federal forces have been deployed in an American state without the approval of the local governor.
