The National Guard deployment played a central role Tuesday night as Los Angeles police quickly enforced a downtown curfew. Officers made arrests minutes after the curfew started. They also used horses and crowd control projectiles to disperse hundreds protesting President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Meanwhile, National Guard members stood behind plastic shields but did not join the arrests. By late evening, most protesters had left. However, small clashes continued, far fewer than on earlier nights.
Officials said the curfew aimed to stop vandalism and theft from agitators intent on causing chaos. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump for deploying a “military dragnet” in the city. He condemned the growing National Guard deployment and the Marines’ presence, though Marines were not seen Tuesday.
Newsom asked a court to block military support for federal immigration agents. Guardsmen stood guard around agents as they carried out arrests. The governor warned this could raise tensions and increase civil unrest. A judge scheduled a hearing for Thursday but allowed current activities to continue.
This move places troops closer to direct law enforcement actions like deportations, which Trump has promised. The Guard can temporarily detain individuals who attack officers. Still, only law enforcement can make arrests.
Trump activated more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines despite opposition from city and state officials. Their initial mission was to protect federal buildings.
Protests have spread nationwide. Cities like Dallas, Austin, Chicago, and New York saw demonstrations. In New York, about 1,000 people rallied, resulting in several arrests.
Trump hinted he might invoke the Insurrection Act, a powerful emergency law that allows military intervention to stop domestic violence or rebellion. “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it,” Trump said from the Oval Office.
Later, at Fort Bragg, the president called protesters “animals” and “a foreign enemy” during the Army’s 250th-anniversary event. His harsh descriptions of Los Angeles contradicted remarks by Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom.
Despite unrest, immigration enforcement continued across Los Angeles County. ICE agents appeared at libraries, car washes, and Home Depot stores. Schools increased security at graduations, offering parents Zoom viewing options.
Los Angeles Police Chief McDonnell reported 197 arrests Tuesday, including 67 people taken for blocking the 101 freeway. Authorities noted some businesses faced break-ins Monday, but it’s unclear if looting connected to protests.
Most arrests resulted from failing to disperse. A few involved serious crimes such as assault with a deadly weapon, looting, vandalism, and attempted murder for a Molotov cocktail attack. Seven officers were injured; two needed hospital treatment but were released.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the National Guard deployment inside the U.S. might increase soon.
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