President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard members in response to protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids. This move, putting the Guard on active duty, has sparked controversy with Governor Gavin Newsom criticizing it as reckless and disrespectful to the troops. The Pentagon has also sent about 700 Marines to support the National Guard in handling the protests. The deployment of the Marines aims to protect federal property and personnel, including immigration agents, drawing concern from Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell due to the lack of coordination with local law enforcement.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Trump, accusing him of overstepping by mobilizing National Guard troops unlawfully. The protests stem from recent immigration raids that led to tensions in the city, with clashes between protesters and law enforcement escalating over the weekend. Despite early peaceful demonstrations, the situation grew more intense, with reports of arrests and instances of violence.

Governor Newsom has expressed disapproval of the Guard deployment, calling it a breach of state sovereignty and urging protesters to remain peaceful. This deployment marks a rare instance of activating the National Guard without the governor’s request, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement efforts. Trump’s invocation of federal service members under a legal provision related to rebellion has further fueled the debate surrounding the government’s response to the protests in Los Angeles.