Trump deploys National Guard amid escalating protests in Los Angeles

In the United States, Los Angeles has seen significant unrest since June 6, 2025, following immigration raids aimed at apprehending undocumented immigrants. The situation escalated as protests turned violent, with demonstrators committing acts such as setting vehicles on fire and attacking federal law enforcement officers with heavy objects. These protests were a direct response to President Donald Trump's immigration policies, prompting him to deploy a mix of 2,000 National Guard members and U.S. Marines to restore order amidst the chaos. As tensions increased, Democrats criticized Trump's use of military force, with local leaders denouncing his actions as an overreach of power. Trump's administration argued that federal law enforcement was necessary to maintain public safety, and supporters like Senator Tom Cotton echoed this sentiment, asserting that federal troops were required to protect citizens and law enforcement from what they described as violent left-wing militias. Amidst the unrest, public sentiment appeared to be shifting against Trump's handling of immigration and the protests. A recent poll indicated that disapproval of his immigration policy was rising, with 54% of registered voters expressing dissatisfaction with his approach. Moreover, a significant portion of the public opposed the deployment of National Guard troops, with many believing the local police could manage the situation without federal intervention. This increase in disapproval signals that while Trump aims to bolster his position on immigration, the aggressive tactics may come with political risks. Legal challenges also arose, with California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, launching a lawsuit against the federal government for deploying the National Guard without state approval. A U.S. district judge ruled in favor of Newsom, ordering the National Guard's return to state control. As the situation develops, the ramifications of this deployment may have lasting impacts on local governance, federal authority, and the ongoing broader national discourse regarding immigration and civil unrest.