Los Angeles Burns: National Guard Deployed Amid Anti-ICE Riots

As Los Angeles descends into chaos with anti-ICE rioters torching cars, blocking freeways, and clashing with police, President Donald Trump has taken decisive action, deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order—despite objections from local Democrats. The riots, now in their fourth day, have exposed the glaring incompetence of California’s leadership, with Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass failing to maintain law and order in their own city.

The streets of Los Angeles have become a battleground as thousands of radical left-wing protesters have taken to the streets, blocking major freeways like the 101, setting fire to self-driving Waymo taxis, and engaging in violent clashes with law enforcement. The riots erupted following immigration raids in Los Angeles County on Friday, where federal officials were attacked with rocks, stones, and concrete, causing damage to government vehicles. The violence has escalated to dangerous levels, with rioters using Molotov cocktails, throwing rocks and bottles, and even shooting commercial-grade fireworks at officers.

“We are overwhelmed,” admitted Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell at a Sunday evening press conference (Los Angeles Times). “Tonight, we had individuals out there shooting commercial-grade fireworks at our officers. That can kill you.” The LAPD also reported that rioters were using cinderblocks as weapons, breaking them up to throw at officers and vehicles. In downtown L.A., protesters were seen destroying self-driving Waymo taxis, spray painting anti-ICE messages, and setting at least three on fire. The LAPD warned residents to stay away from the area due to the toxic gases released from burning lithium-ion batteries, posing risks to responders and bystanders.

The riots have resulted in at least 56 arrests over the weekend—29 on Saturday and 27 on Sunday—with charges ranging from assaulting officers to damaging property (Los Angeles Times). Specific incidents include two motorcyclists attempting to break through a police line, injuring two officers, and the use of a makeshift flamethrower by one rioter. The scale of the unrest has left local law enforcement struggling to maintain control, with the California Highway Patrol forming backup lines on the 101 Freeway.

In response to the escalating crisis, President Trump took bold action by deploying nearly 2,000 National Guard troops to assist in quelling the riots. This move, unprecedented since 1965 as it was done without the governor’s request, came after immigration authorities were attacked during raids in Los Angeles County. “Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest. We have an incompetent Governor (Newscum) and Mayor (Bass) who were, as usual, unable to handle the situation,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump’s border czar, Tom-homan">Tom Homan, vowed that ICE enforcement would continue, stating, “We will not be intimidated by these lawless mobs” (Los Angeles Times). The administration has also threatened federal charges for officials obstructing law and order, with Trump reportedly considering the use of active-duty military, such as Marines from Camp Pendleton. In a direct response to Chief McDonnell’s comments, Trump posted, “BRING IN THE TROOPS,” signaling his commitment to restoring order.

The National Guard troops, stationed at the Metropolitan Detention Center and assisting in clearing the 101 Freeway, have already begun to make a difference. Social media footage shows troops pushing back rioters with tear gas and pepper spray, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The deployment has been met with fierce criticism from local officials, who have shown themselves to be out of touch with the reality on the ground. Governor Gavin Newsom called the deployment “unlawful” and plans to sue, while Mayor Karen Bass claimed it was unnecessary, insisting that the LAPD could handle the situation. However, the ongoing violence and the LAPD’s own admission of being overwhelmed tell a different story. “Even the Los Angeles Police Departments referred to violent riots yesterday as ‘peaceful protests,’” a White House statement read. “Americans can look at the videos and images and see what’s really happening.”

Other California Democrats, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Representatives Ted Lieu and Maxine Waters, and local officials, have criticized the deployment as a “dangerous escalation” and a potential pretext for martial law. Sheriff Robert Luna stated that his deputies would not assist in immigration enforcement, further highlighting the disconnect between local and federal priorities.

Social media is ablaze with reactions to the riots and Trump’s response. One user posted, “Anti-ICE rioters assault ICE agents; throw rocks at law enforcement vehicles in LA. Trump has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops be deployed in Los Angeles to combat what the White House calls ‘lawlessness that has been allowed to fester” (X post).

However, not all reactions support Trump’s actions. Some users have questioned the necessity of the deployment, with one stating, “LA get home make trump look like a azz when there is no rioters” (X post). This polarization reflects broader national debates over immigration policy and federal authority.

As the riots rage on, President Trump’s decisive action stands in stark contrast to the dithering of local leaders. While Newsom and Bass continue to downplay the violence and obstruct federal efforts, Trump has shown that he is willing to take the necessary steps to defend the rule of law. The deployment of the National Guard, though controversial, appears to be a critical step in restoring order to a city spiraling out of control.

Aspect	Details
Riot Locations	101 Freeway, Downtown LA, Paramount, Metropolitan Detention Center
Arrests	56 total (29 on Saturday, 27 on Sunday)
Violence Reported	Molotov cocktails, fireworks, cinderblocks, destruction of Waymo taxis
National Guard Role	Deploy