Los Angeles burns as immigration raids spark massive protest

Amid ongoing tensions in Los Angeles, National Guard troops have begun deploying across key areas of the city in response to large-scale immigration enforcement operations. The deployment follows directions from US President Donald Trump.
The unrest began on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a series of raids across the city, resulting in the arrest of 44 individuals in a single day and a total of 118 over the past week.
The federal crackdown, which included warrants related to harbouring undocumented immi-grants, triggered widespread protests in areas including Paramount, Compton, and downtown Los Angeles.
Clashes erupted between demonstrators and federal officers, with the former attempting to block transport vehicles and vandalising law enforcement property. Tensions rose on Saturday night when a car was set ablaze at an intersection and objects were thrown at officers.
In response to the escalating situation, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum ordering the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Elements of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the California National Guard began arriving early on Sunday, with some units staging at the federal complex in downtown Los Angeles. Armed guards and ar-moured vehicles were seen near the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a focal point of the ongoing demonstrations.
Federal officials stated that the deployment aims to secure federal property and ensure public safety. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stressed the need to preserve both the right to protest and law and order, while FBI Director Kash Patel issued a stern warning: “Individuals assaulting officers will be prosecuted, regardless of their immigration status.”
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth added that active-duty Marines may be considered if the unrest continues. The move has sparked political backlash, with California Governor Gavin Newsom denouncing the unilateral deployment as “purposefully inflammatory”, highlighting that it marks the first time in decades that National Guard troops have been mobilised in a state without the governor’s request.
As of Sunday afternoon, the National Guard presence remained concentrated in select down-town areas, while protests continued in parts of the city. Authorities have declared multiple un-lawful assemblies and made further arrests. The situation remains tense, with further demonstra-tions and security responses anticipated.