Severe incidents occurred in downtown Los Angeles when police forces resorted to using chemical and plastic bullets to disperse protesters who were objecting to the deployment of National Guard troops. The deployment of these forces came after a decision by US President Donald Trump, sparking a fierce backlash.

Despite strong objections from both California Governor and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the deployment of the troops proceeded, heightening concern and tension in local communities.

Protests over deportations and arrests

The president’s move comes at a time of intense opposition to the tightening of immigration policy. The protests were sparked by recent migrant detention operations, which led to more than 100 arrests in a matter of days.

Hundreds of citizens gathered outside the Federal Detention Center, protesting the presence of the National Guard. Chanting slogans such as “shame” and “get out of our city,” the protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the military forces.

The authorities’ response was forceful: tear gas, pepper balls, and smoke bombs were used to disperse the crowd, followed by a blockade of the 101 freeway by protesters.

At the same time, police were met by a barrage of police cars and several police cars were also struck by a police barricade, which was followed by a barricade of police cars and a barricade of police cars.

Newshome: violation of state’s rights

Governor Newsom, in a letter to Trump, called the action a blatant violation of California’s sovereignty and called for the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard.

The president, for his part, defended his decisions, stating that the authorities’ action was necessary to prevent a possible riot:
“There are dangerous people in Los Angeles, and we’re not going to let them take advantage of that,” he said.

Rebellion in immigrant neighborhoods

The protests were not limited to downtown. Riots also broke out in areas with a heavy Latino presence, such as Paramount and Compton. In Paramount, protesters attempted to block the passage of Border Patrol vehicles, and incidents involving the firing of chemicals and flash-bang grenades ensued.

Trump: “We will impose strict order.”

In remarks before departing on Air Force One, Trump assured that his administration would be relentless against any attempt to incite unrest:
“We will not let the situation get out of hand. If necessary, we will send troops to other cities. Law and order will prevail,” he said.

Notably, according to former Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth, this is the first time since 1965 that federal forces have been deployed to a US state without the approval of the local governor.