Routine ICE raids in Los Angeles’ Fashion District escalated into violent unrest, with activists clashing with federal agents, setting fires, and blocking vehicles. Over 45 people were arrested amid scenes of chaos shared widely on social media. In response, Donald Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to the city under Title 10, bypassing the governor’s authority. Trump also threatened to deploy active-duty Marines if violence persisted. Federal officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, vowed harsh consequences for attacks on agents. A controversial ban on masks at future protests was also announced, prompting civil-rights groups to prepare legal challenges.
California leaders condemned the federal response as excessive and provocative. Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass accused federal agents of terrorizing immigrant communities and rejected cooperation in non-violent arrests. National Guard troops took up positions across L.A., marking the most visible federal presence since the 1992 riots. Notable arrests include union leader David Huerta and individuals accused of using Molotov cocktails. The unrest has triggered national debate, with a viral image of a masked protester fueling political narratives on both sides. Legal scholars question the legality of the troop deployment and mask ban, as lawmakers prepare competing bills addressing presidential power. With protests spreading to other cities, the crisis underscores deep national divisions over immigration, civil liberties, and federal authority.
