Los Angeles descended into chaos on Sunday as National Guard troops confronted protesters rallying against President Trump's immigration crackdown. For the third consecutive day, demonstrations near federal buildings escalated into violent clashes, with security forces deploying tear gas canisters, rubber bullets, and flash grenades to disperse crowds. The confrontations centered around the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Metropolitan Detention Center, where hundreds had gathered to denounce recent immigration raids.
Downtown Showdown
Protesters blocked sections of the 101 Freeway and surrounded detention facilities, chanting slogans against the administration's immigration policies. Video footage showed plumes of tear gas rising above downtown streets as armored vehicles advanced toward demonstrators. Several Waymo autonomous vehicles were vandalized during the unrest, with one set ablaze near the detention complex. Law enforcement officials confirmed dozens of arrests, including undocumented immigrants directly affected by the raids.
Presidential Directive
The deployment follows President Trump's executive order authorizing National Guard intervention to "restore order" amid growing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Administration officials assert the measures are necessary to combat what they describe as "dangerous agitation," while civil rights groups have condemned the military response as disproportionate. "Sending soldiers to suppress lawful protest represents a dangerous militarization of domestic dissent," stated ACLU spokesperson Elena Rodriguez during a press briefing.
Context of Unrest
This wave of demonstrations began after federal agents initiated surprise raids across Los Angeles County last Friday, targeting migrant communities. Witnesses reported ICE officers conducting doorstep apprehensions in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, prompting immediate grassroots mobilization. Community organizers established rapid-response networks through social media, leading to the sustained downtown protests now entering their third day.
Urban studies professor Dr. Marcus Chen observed, "These protests reflect deepening societal fractures over immigration policy. The deployment of National Guard units against civilians in a major American city signals an unprecedented escalation in domestic conflict resolution." Medical volunteers at the scene reported treating at least thirty protesters for respiratory distress and impact injuries from non-lethal projectiles.
Ongoing Standoff
As night fell on Sunday, standoffs continued near the federal building, with protesters regrouping after each dispersal attempt. The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement urging "non-essential personnel" to avoid the Civic Center area, while protest organizers vowed to maintain their presence until the National Guard withdrawal and cessation of ICE operations. With tensions showing no signs of abating, community leaders have called for independent oversight of the military-police response amid allegations of excessive force.
The White House has not indicated when troops will be recalled, emphasizing instead the administration's commitment to "law and order." Legal challenges to the deployment are expected this week, as civil liberties organizations prepare emergency injunctions questioning the constitutionality of using military personnel for domestic policing operations targeting political demonstrations.
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