Los Angeles Protests Escalate: Trump Sends Marines, National Guard as Uproar Grows

International News: Los Angeles is in the grip of escalating protests, now in their fifth day, sparked by aggressive federal immigration raids. On June 11, 2025, President Donald Trump’s deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines has intensified the unrest, turning the city into a battleground of ideology and resistance.

Trigger of the Turmoil

The unrest began on June 6, 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched sweeping raids targeting undocumented immigrants in neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and South LA. Protesters, rallying against what they call “deportation terror,” have flooded streets, blocking major roads like the 110 Freeway. The raids, part of Trump’s pledge to crack down on illegal immigration, have led to over 1,500 detentions, igniting fury among communities who fear family separations. Demonstrators, many from Latino backgrounds, demand an end to the operations, accusing ICE of targeting vulnerable workers.

Military Deployment Fuels Tensions

Trump’s decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, citing the need to “restore order,” has poured fuel on the fire. Announced on June 11, the move bypasses state approval, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to slam it as “reckless overreach” and file a legal challenge. Mayor Karen Bass, struggling to maintain calm, called the military presence “unnecessary escalation.” Troops are stationed around federal buildings, but their visibility has provoked further protests, with some likening the scenes to a militarized occupation.

Clashes and Curfews

Since June 9, clashes have intensified, with police using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. A curfew, enforced from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. in downtown LA, has led to over 250 arrests. Protesters, undeterred, continue to gather, chanting slogans like “No deportations!” while vandalism incidents, including smashed storefronts, have strained local resources.

The LA protests reflect a deeper national schism over immigration. While Trump defends the raids as “law enforcement,” activists argue they dehumanize communities. With Newsom vowing to resist federal overreach, LA remains a flashpoint, testing the limits of policy, protest, and power in a polarized America.