Thousands Protest, Torch Cars, Clash With Guards Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, protests erupted for a third day following federal immigration raids that arrested dozens of individuals, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops to the city. The demonstrations escalated into violent clashes with police and the National Guard, involving tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and flash bangs, as thousands of protesters blocked the 101 Freeway and set self-driving cars on fire. Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass for their handling of the unrest, labeling the protesters as insurrectionists and demanding their apology. Newsom condemned the deployment as unlawful and a breach of state sovereignty, arguing it inflamed tensions and diverted resources. Law enforcement struggled to control the situation, with police overwhelmed by agitators and declaring unlawful assemblies, leading to arrests and dispersal of crowds. The protests reflect deep divisions over immigration enforcement policies and have significantly heightened tensions between federal and state authorities.