Los Angeles ICE protests: Trump threatens more military deployments

President Donald Trump on Tuesday, June 10, formally warned that the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard personnel and 700 Marines to Los Angeles could mark the “first of many” military responses to ongoing anti-ICE protests across the United States. Speaking from the Oval Office at 3:45 p.m. ET, Trump stated that demonstrators who interfere with federal immigration enforcement would be met with “equal or greater force,” signaling the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act if unrest spreads.

The situation follows days of confrontations between law enforcement and protesters in downtown Los Angeles, where immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have sparked demonstrations since June 7. The National Guard was deployed over the weekend, reportedly against the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Why did Trump deploy troops to Los Angeles?

The federal response stems from clashes that erupted after ICE launched coordinated enforcement raids in several Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Boyle Heights, East Hollywood, and South Gate. According to law enforcement sources, the raids resulted in more than 120 detentions by June 9. Protesters opposing mass deportation policies began gathering outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Office in Santa Ana, and later moved into downtown Los Angeles, prompting confrontations with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and federal agencies.

In response to the escalation, President Trump authorized the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines over the weekend, though official Pentagon statements clarified that active-duty Marines have not yet been engaged in any direct action. The decision was made under federal Title 10 authority, bypassing Governor Newsom’s consent.

What is the legal basis behind the possible use of the Insurrection Act?

During Tuesday’s remarks, Trump hinted at the use of the Insurrection Act of 1807, which grants the president authority to deploy military forces domestically in cases of rebellion, civil unrest, or to enforce federal laws when state authorities are deemed unable or unwilling to act. Although the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement, the Insurrection Act provides an exception.

Trump told reporters, “There were areas of Los Angeles last night where you could call it an insurrection,” adding that federal military response was needed to protect ICE agents and federal operations. He further claimed that without a “strong attack” in LA, similar unrest could erupt nationwide.

How have California leaders responded to Trump’s military order?

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the president’s actions, calling the deployment a “violation of state sovereignty” and an attempt to politicize the military. In a joint statement, Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the federal move as “provocative and unnecessary,” insisting that local law enforcement was already handling the protests effectively.

California’s state attorney general, Rob Bonta, announced that legal options were being reviewed, including whether the deployment violates constitutional limits on federal authority within state borders. Democratic lawmakers from the state also signaled opposition, arguing that using the military to address civil protests risks civil liberties.

What has the Department of Defense said about troop activity in LA?

During a congressional hearing earlier on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the decision to deploy troops to protect ICE operations. Hegseth told lawmakers that ICE agents were “targeted” by protesters and required protection to safely carry out their duties. He emphasized that the military’s role is limited to force protection and does not currently involve any active law enforcement measures.

ABC News and other local outlets reported that as of Monday evening, National Guard personnel were primarily stationed outside federal buildings. Most crowd control and arrests were conducted by LAPD and California Highway Patrol. Officials observed that the protests remained largely peaceful during the weekdays, with the more violent incidents occurring over the weekend.

Were Trump’s claims about violence accurate?

Trump stated on Tuesday that there were “fires and bad scenes” in LA, describing the city as being “under siege.” However, independent media coverage has not corroborated those claims. On Monday night, journalists from ABC News reported minimal property damage and no large-scale fires. Police reportedly used skirmish lines and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, but there was no significant escalation beyond the city’s Civic Center area, covering about 10 city blocks.

Observers described the situation as “contained,” and emphasized that there was no evidence to support the president’s characterization of a widespread insurrection. Nonetheless, Trump’s narrative appears to be shaping federal positioning toward a national security lens.

What are the broader political reactions to the federal escalation?

Support for Trump’s decision came from key Republican lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson said that local leaders had “lost control” and praised the president’s “quick, decisive action.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed similar sentiments, stating that the military was needed “because the local officials didn’t seem up to the task.”

By contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the deployment, saying it threatened “the bedrock of our democracy.” Schumer acknowledged violence in earlier protests but warned that Trump’s military response could lead to a breakdown of public trust and ignite further unrest across other cities.

Could this lead to military deployments elsewhere in the U.S.?

President Trump suggested that future deployments could follow if protests spread to other cities. “This is the first, perhaps, of many,” he said, directly warning demonstrators in other states that the federal government would act swiftly and forcefully to support immigration operations.

This has raised concerns that immigration enforcement under Trump may increasingly involve direct coordination with federal troops. While no other deployments have been confirmed, DHS officials acknowledged contingency planning is underway in cities with high levels of undocumented populations, including Chicago, Miami, and New York City.

How long will the National Guard remain in Los Angeles?

Trump declined to give a timeline, saying troops will remain “until there’s no danger.” Defense Department officials have not provided an end date but confirmed that the troops are currently operating under federal command and are not engaging in any civilian policing.

This open-ended presence has drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates, who warn of “mission creep” and possible violations of constitutional rights if the deployment extends beyond its current mandate.

What happens next in the LA protests and legal pushback?

Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU of Southern California, are preparing to file lawsuits challenging the legality of the troop deployment. As of June 11, no formal litigation has been filed, but sources indicate the legal filings could come within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, a federal court hearing on California’s emergency motion to limit troop activity is expected later this week. The White House has not clarified whether Trump will sign a formal Insurrection Act declaration if the protests continue or escalate elsewhere.

In the short term, all eyes remain on Los Angeles. As federal troops maintain their positions and state officials explore legal avenues, the events unfolding this week are shaping a new chapter in the tense relationship between federal immigration policy, states’ rights, and protest movements in the United States. Whether the situation calms or escalates may well depend on how the administration balances rhetoric with restraint—and how California responds in the courtroom and on the streets.