National Guard Deployed to L.A.

Donald Trump is facing a problem. Thousands of Los Angelenos took to the streets and protested around City Hall, the federal courthouse of LA, and the detention center where some protestors are being held.

In response, Trump deployed the National Guard. The national guard used tear gas, “less lethal” ammunition to try to break up the crowds protesting against the immigration crackdown, and its deployment of troops even after state leaders protested against it.

Tear gas and ammunition were used even though the crowds that were gathered were mostly peaceful. However, in the afternoon, police tried to disperse groups near the detention center and then, in the evening, used flashbangs to back protestors off freeway ramps. Some police were reportedly shot at with fireworks or had rocks thrown at them.

The deployment of the National Guard, about 2,000 of them, shocked America and California. Gavin Newsom called it an “abuse of power” and called on Trump to rescind the deployment. The mayor and governor called it a breach of state independence and federal overreach.

The last time the National Guard was used at the federal level was the 1992 riots, where widespread violence broke out after the beating of Rodney King. Not only that, their deployment of the National Guard was activated without a request from its governor. It’s seen as an escalation of the fight over mass deportations.

Trump has said that 500 Marines from Twentynine Palms, California, were ready to deploy and protect. The LAPD chief has reported that the violence has spiraled out of control, but many weren’t part of the protests. California officials responded with pleas for peace from the protestors.

We’ll have to wait and see how the protests unfold. More to come.