President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to mounting unrest following a series of federal immigration raids in the city’s Latino neighborhoods.

The move, announced late Saturday, is aimed at reinforcing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, which have faced stiff resistance in areas like the Paramount district. Over the weekend, clashes broke out between protesters and federal agents, with law enforcement using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. Multiple arrests were confirmed by local authorities.

ICE officials reported 118 arrests citywide during the latest wave of operations, including 44 individuals detained on Friday alone.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids as “cruel and provocative,” revealing he held a 40-minute call with President Trump to express concern. The White House, however, issued a statement accusing California leaders of failing to safeguard law enforcement officers and justifying the troop deployment as necessary to confront what it called “an invasion of illegal criminals.”

In a presidential memorandum, Trump formally authorized the National Guard mobilization, declaring a “zero tolerance” stance on violence and property damage. Administration adviser Tom Homan stated the deployment was intended to “restore order and protect federal operations.”

The situation remains tense in the Paramount neighborhood, where many migrants are reportedly hiding inside local businesses, fearful of being apprehended. The area is home to a predominantly Hispanic population — over 80% according to census data.

Federal officials have pushed back against criticism, with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino warning that “law and order will prevail,” and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirming that active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton are on standby for possible deployment if the situation escalates.

Despite the federal presence, the Los Angeles Police Department described most weekend protests as peaceful and reiterated its commitment to protecting public safety.

Governor Newsom warned that Trump’s actions risk inflaming tensions further, calling the deployment “unnecessary and deliberately provocative.” He emphasized that state and local agencies are fully capable of maintaining public order without federal intervention.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sharply criticized ICE, accusing the agency of “sowing fear and terror” in vulnerable communities. Federal agencies responded by accusing local leaders of undermining their operations and putting officers at risk.

Immigrant rights advocates echoed the mayor’s concerns. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, denounced the raids at a rally, saying, “These communities are being terrorized, not protected.”

President Trump has insisted the federal government will take firm action if local leaders cannot quell what he called “riots and looters,” signaling a hardline stance as the immigration crackdown continues to spark national controversy.