Trump deploys troops to quell LA riots, overriding state control and igniting backlash from California officials.

Trump Moves to Prevent Repeat of 2020 Unrest

President Donald Trump has federalized the National Guard and deployed 2,000 troops and 500 Marines to Los Angeles in response to escalating immigration-related riots, vowing to prevent a repeat of the violence that gripped Minneapolis in 2020.

The decision has drawn intense criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argue the federal move bypasses constitutional boundaries and undermines state and local authority. Trump, however, insists the action is necessary to maintain order and protect communities from what administration officials describe as coordinated violence against law enforcement and public property.

“This isn’t the Summer of 2020 2.0,” said Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar. “I thank the brave men and women of the National Guard defending federal buildings so that immigration officials can keep us safe.”

The administration’s stance reflects a shift in Trump’s approach compared to 2020, when he hesitated to invoke federal authority during widespread unrest. According to political commentator Kristin Tate, the president, now in his second term, is acting without concern for political consequences. “He’s instilling law and order, regardless of the consequences,” Tate said. “The good old days of burning down the city with impunity are over.”

Governor Newsom and Local Leaders Condemn Action

Governor Newsom denounced the federalization of the National Guard as an “unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.” In a public statement, he accused the president of manufacturing a crisis to take over state militia control. “Donald Trump is creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the U.S. Constitution and overstepping his authority,” Newsom said.

The governor has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the move undermines the foundations of the republic and demands resistance from governors across party lines.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed those concerns, alleging that the city is being used as a “national experiment” to test the limits of federal power. During a press conference, Bass claimed the riots were “provoked by the White House” and criticized the federal agents' actions, which she said included workplace raids and “armored caravans” through the streets.

“You're not trying to keep anyone safe,” Bass said. “You're trying to cause fear and panic.” She did not directly condemn the violence but asserted it was limited to a small area of the city.

Support for the mayor came from leaders of 30 surrounding cities. El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona declared, “We want the military out of our region. They have no business here. And we also want ICE out of our cities.”

Officials from South Gate, Downey, and Huntington Park reported ongoing ICE raids, expressing frustration over what they see as unconstitutional federal intrusion. Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores addressed the Marines directly, urging them to remember their oath to the American people, not a political leader. “Whether they have a document or they don’t, you’re dealing with Americans,” he stated.

Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons announced the creation of a special fund to aid immigrant families affected by the unrest. “We will also be seeking out our residents who have been directly impacted so that we may hear from them and provide direct support,” she said.

While the White House has not issued further comment, Trump’s actions mark a forceful assertion of federal power in a volatile situation, raising legal and political tensions that are likely to escalate as the deployment continues.