California deploys National Guard amid immigration enforcement tension in Los Angeles

US President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guardsmen in Los Angeles to address the unrest caused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting undocumented migrants. Tom Homan, the president’s border czar, stated on Fox News that the deployment will make Los Angeles safer. There have been two days of unrest in a predominantly Latino district, with ICE agents using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. A total of 118 arrests were made due to ICE operations in Los Angeles this week, including 44 on Friday. California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized the raids as “cruel.” The White House released a statement blaming California’s Democratic leaders for failing to protect their citizens, emphasizing the importance of addressing the violence and chaos. Homan, speaking in Los Angeles, promised to bring in more resources and maintain “zero tolerance” for violence and property damage. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also issued a warning to protesters, stating that “law and order will prevail.” Governor Newsom accused President Trump of sowing chaos and undermining the economy, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accused the ICE of sowing terror. The FBI and Homeland Security chiefs criticized the mayor’s comments for endangering federal agents. Angelica Salas, the leader of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, denounced the attacks on the community. The National Guard deployment has been met with criticism from Governor Newsom, who called it “purposefully inflammatory” and stated that local authorities could access law enforcement assistance if needed. President Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, saying that if the governor and mayor could not control the situation, the federal government would step in to handle the riots and looting.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gkyggekgyo