Los Angeles Protests Over Immigration Spark 56 Arrests, National Guard Deployment

Protests erupted in Los Angeles over federal immigration raids ordered by President Donald Trump, leading to multiple confrontations between demonstrators, police, and National Guard troops deployed to quell the unrest. Over the weekend, police and the California Highway Patrol arrested at least 56 protesters, including individuals accused of violent acts such as throwing Molotov cocktails and ramming police lines with a motorcycle. Governor Gavin Newsom strongly opposed the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard, calling it inflammatory and threatening to challenge the federal government's actions legally, even daring officials to arrest him. The protests escalated to the point where the LAPD declared unlawful assemblies, shut down major freeways, and used less-lethal munitions to disperse crowds, while about 500 Marines were also prepared to assist National Guard troops. FBI officials warned that those using violence to obstruct immigration enforcement would face federal, state, and local charges, emphasizing a strict law enforcement response. Despite local resistance, the Trump administration maintained its commitment to continue immigration operations and law enforcement actions in California.