The unrest sparked by immigration raids in Los Angeles (LA) has intensified, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to order the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. The first wave of approximately 300 troops arrived on Sunday (June 8), clashing violently with protesters. An additional 500 U.S. Marines are on standby, ready to be deployed to LA if necessary.
By Sunday local time, the protests had entered their third day. In the afternoon, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, facing off against heavily armed National Guard personnel. Nearby buildings were covered in graffiti, with slogans such as "ICE and LAPD go to HELL" and "Kill all cops." The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared downtown an unlawful assembly zone, ordering all protesters to disperse or face arrest.
The protests escalated in the evening as large crowds repeatedly shouted insults, shoved law enforcement officers, and hurled rocks and debris at police and National Guard troops. Authorities responded by firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbang grenades to disperse the crowds. Protesters later shifted to blocking a major nearby highway, setting off fireworks and torching vehicles. Multiple police cars were vandalized and set ablaze.
Ongoing clashes, growing controversy
Trump declared that he had instructed his cabinet to take all necessary measures to quell the unrest. He claimed that protesters had spat on law enforcement officers, forcing them to retaliate. When asked whether he would deploy U.S. Marines, Trump stated, "You have violent people, and we are not going to let them get away with it... We're looking at troops everywhere. We're not going to let this happen to our country."
California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that Trump's deployment of the National Guard was an abuse of power, a severe violation of California's sovereignty, and would only heighten tensions.
"He is unhinged, and he's acting recklessly, and the threat of the Marines coming in the United States, this is a very serious and sober moment. We are going to stand firm."
He argued that diverting resources from areas in real need would worsen the situation.
Senator Bernie Sanders accused Trump of threatening American democracy, bluntly stating, "He does not believe in the rule of law."
Collateral damage
National Guard troops in LA fired a large number of rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the protesters. Gao, a Xinhua correspondent, reporting from the scene, said his arm was struck by a tear gas canister.
Gao described the situation: "In my hand is the remnants of a tear gas canister just fired by police. I've been hit multiple times during the clashes—my face is burning, and my skin stings badly. Our cameraman was also hit in the leg by a rubber bullet, leaving severe bruises."
Footage from the scene showed the number of protesters growing rapidly, from a few dozen to over 200. They were visibly agitated, shouting at National Guard and police officers while throwing water bottles and other objects. Some even picked up tear gas canisters and hurled them back at law enforcement.
One protester, a local community member who said they were simply trying to work and live peacefully, questioned the government's response: "Is it necessary for the Trump administration to send the troops against us?"
Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, a 9News US correspondent, was also struck by a rubber bullet during a live broadcast. The footage showed an officer aiming his weapon directly at Tomasi and firing at close range. She immediately recoiled in pain, with visible marks on her leg, though she was not seriously injured.
Earlier in her broadcast, Tomasi had noted that police were firing rubber bullets at protesters. For the safety of the news crew, 9News ended the live broadcast after Tomassi was hit.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; English Editor: Darius)
Related News:
Protests erupt in LA: Over 50 arrested, Pentagon deploys 2,000 National Guard troops
Democratic leaders slam Trump for escalating chaos in Los Angeles immigration protests
Comment