President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests over immigration enforcement. This decision comes despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the move as inflammatory.

The protests erupted after federal immigration authorities conducted a series of arrests in Los Angeles, including a significant operation that resulted in over 100 arrests in just one week. Tensions flared on Saturday in Paramount, a heavily Latino city south of Los Angeles, where clashes between protesters and federal agents in riot gear turned violent. Demonstrators hurled rocks and cement at Border Patrol vehicles, while federal agents responded with tear gas and flash-bang explosives.

"The lawlessness that has been allowed to fester must be addressed," the White House stated, announcing the deployment. However, it remains unclear when the National Guard troops will arrive. Newsom expressed his concerns on social media, stating that the federal government's actions would only escalate tensions and urged citizens to remain peaceful.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that if violence persists, active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton could also be mobilized. "If violence continues, active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert," Hegseth said.

Protests continued into the evening, with hundreds gathering near a local doughnut shop in Paramount. Authorities erected barbed wire to keep the crowd at bay, while demonstrators gathered outside federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles, where local police declared an unlawful assembly.

Earlier in the day, immigration officers faced off with protesters at a business park near a Home Depot. Some demonstrators set off fireworks and blocked the streets with shopping carts. Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons noted that while no immigration raids occurred in her city, the presence of federal agents had incited fear among residents. "When you handle things the way that this appears to be handled, it’s not a surprise that chaos would follow," Lemons said.

More than a dozen individuals were arrested for impeding immigration agents, according to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. He confirmed that federal agents made additional arrests on Saturday, although he did not specify the number or locations.

Trump's order to federalize part of California's National Guard places him in command, bypassing the governor. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the immigration operations are essential to combatting illegal immigration. She criticized California's Democratic leaders for failing to protect their citizens.

The president's decision followed a warning he issued on social media, threatening to intervene if Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass did not take action. Trump signed the order shortly before attending a UFC fight in New Jersey.

In the days leading up to the protests, federal authorities arrested 44 individuals for immigration violations, with the Department of Homeland Security reporting a total of 118 arrests, including individuals with criminal backgrounds. David Huerta, a union leader, was also arrested during the protests and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Huerta's immediate release, highlighting concerns over the arrest of American citizens exercising their right to free speech.