California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply denounced President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles, calling it “unlawful” and accusing the president of exploiting immigration protests to assert unconstitutional federal control over the state.

“This is not leadership. These are the acts of a dictator, not a president,” Newsom posted on X, vowing to challenge the move in court. He claimed Trump had fabricated a crisis to justify federal intervention and erode state sovereignty.

The deployment comes amid escalating protests across Los Angeles in response to sweeping federal immigration raids, which activists say have swept up even legal residents. Demonstrations turned volatile over the weekend, with protesters clashing with police, setting fires, and blocking major roadways like the 101 Freeway.

Footage from the protests showed projectiles thrown at police, burning Waymo self-driving cars, and tense standoffs outside City Hall. The Party for Socialism and Liberation organized one of the major rallies, where crowds waved Mexican flags and condemned the raids as attacks on immigrant communities.

LAPD declared multiple gatherings unlawful, and confirmed 10 arrests on Sunday alone, in addition to 29 the previous evening. National Guard soldiers and Department of Homeland Security agents were stationed around key government buildings as tensions escalated downtown.

The White House defended the federal response, citing scenes of “chaos, violence, and lawlessness.” In a statement, Trump labeled the demonstrators “violent, insurrectionist mobs,” and warned that his administration would “take all action necessary” to restore order. Speaking in New Jersey, Trump said of the protesters, “They spit, we hit.”

Despite this aggressive rhetoric, the president has not formally invoked the Insurrection Act, a law allowing the military to intervene in domestic unrest. Asked whether he planned to, Trump replied, “It depends on whether or not there’s an insurrection.”

California law enforcement officials expressed mixed views on the federal intervention. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the situation was deteriorating, stating, “We wouldn’t typically turn to federal support immediately — but tonight’s violence demands a reassessment.”

Trump responded on social media, endorsing McDonnell’s statement: “He should, right now!!! Don’t let these thugs get away with this. Make America great again!!!”

According to U.S. Northern Command, 300 National Guard troops have already been stationed at three sites across the Los Angeles area, with another 500 Marines at Camp Pendleton placed on standby. The Pentagon said their mission is limited to protecting federal personnel and property.