Following former President Donald Trump’s vow to carry out mass deportations, ICE launched widespread raids across the U.S., sparking protests in Los Angeles and nearby areas. While most demonstrations were peaceful, several violent incidents led Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines to restore order. His move drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials, who argued the military presence only heightened tensions. Trump, however, defended his decision on Truth Social, calling the protesters “insurrectionists” and crediting the deployment with preventing the city from being “burned to the ground.”

Public opinion remains divided. A June 9 poll of 1,000 registered voters found that 58% supported the administration’s actions, with 34% “strongly favoring” them. Views on deportations were also mixed: 36% believed the efforts had gone too far, 25% felt they were appropriate, and 30% wanted them expanded. Support broke sharply along party lines, with 86% of Republicans approving, compared to just 26% of Democrats and 45% of independents. A federal judge, Charles R. Breyer, ruled Trump’s use of the National Guard illegal, citing violations of both statutory authority and the Tenth Amendment. He ordered control of California’s National Guard returned to Governor Newsom. However, that ruling was temporarily blocked by an appeals court, leaving the legal battle unresolved.