Demonstrations against federal deportations of migrants in Los Angeles have escalated into widespread unrest over the past 24 hours.

President Donald Trump has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to the city to assist police and protect federal buildings, a decision that has been sharply criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The protests in Los Angeles began last week after several federal raids against migrants without legal residence permits. The riots began on Saturday, when federal agents and demonstrators clashed in the suburb of Paramount.

On Sunday evening, the unrest culminated in violent riots, particularly in central Los Angeles, and according to police reports, protesters blocked Highway 101, set fire to cars and self-driving vehicles, and threw objects at the police.

The police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse the demonstrators. At least 44 people have been arrested since the protests began. The number of arrests is likely to rise, given the situation.

The police have also declared several demonstrations illegal gatherings after the violence escalated.

National Guard on site – sharp criticism from state leadership

Early on Sunday, Donald Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to support local police and protect federal buildings, including the Metropolitan Detention Center.

However, the decision was immediately met with criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the move illegal and inflammatory, describing Trump’s actions as “the acts of a dictator, not a president”.

– Inciting and provoking violence
– Creating mass chaos
– Militarizing cities
– Arresting opponents

These are the acts of a dictator, not a President. https://t.co/e4YjBMPtna

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 8, 2025

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell also expressed concern about the developments and opened the door to reconsidering the police strategy: “Given the violence this evening, I believe we need to reevaluate”.

Trump has defended the decision to deploy the National Guard and called the protesters “violent, insurrectionist mobs”.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that “these criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice”.

At the same time, the US Department of Defense has raised the alert level at nearby military bases and warned of further action if the violence continues.

JUST IN: LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell says rioters are now using weapons that can kill his officers, says he respects ICE.

“The violence is escalating… It’s getting increasingly worse and more violent.”

“We had individuals shooting commercial-grade fireworks at our officers. That… pic.twitter.com/ItO7w5UvtG

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 9, 2025

Raids on migrants behind the unrest

The unrest stems from a series of federal raids on undocumented migrants in the Los Angeles area, during which more than 100 people have been detained over the past week, including a prominent union leader.

The background is the Trump administration’s new, tougher line on immigration policy, with promises of record deportations and daily raids on suspected migrants.

Critics say the raids have also affected people legally residing in the country, and legal proceedings have now been initiated against several of the operations.

Người biểu tình ném đá vào Sở cảnh sát Los Angeles trong cuộc biểu tình của ICE tại trung tâm thành phố Los Angeles.

Protesters hurl rocks at LAPD during ICE demonstrations in downtown LA. pic.twitter.com/PBu5I05wFd

— WeSupportFreedom (@Support4Freedom) June 9, 2025

Chaotic scenes in the city center

Reports from Los Angeles paint a picture of a chaotic and tense atmosphere. Protesters, many carrying Mexican flags, have gathered outside federal buildings and chanted slogans in support of those facing deportation.

Several witnesses describe how self-driving cars and car tires were set on fire and how bottles and other objects were thrown at police and National Guard soldiers.

International media report scenes of total chaos and lawlessness in central Los Angeles, where police have responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.

Los Angeles is a war zone, with looting and destruction of property https://t.co/g83yPh9fZQ

— Sam-UK (@consumer_common) June 9, 2025

Many residents are expressing shock and concern over the sudden escalation of violence, and both locals and protest organizers are now calling for restraint to avoid further clashes.

The situation in Los Angeles remains tense, and authorities fear further unrest in the coming days. The National Guard and police are now focusing on protecting federal buildings and maintaining order in the city center.

At the same time, the debate over Trump’s response and federal immigration policy continues at both the local and national levels.