Protests in Los Angeles Escalate After Deployment of National Guard

Tensions in Los Angeles have intensified following the deployment of the National Guard. On the third day of protests against the arrest and deportation of migrants, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, blocking a highway and setting cars on fire.

President Trump decided to deploy the National Guard after the second day of protests, against the wishes of California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Around 300 National Guard members arrived on Sunday.

The reservists were stationed outside a migrant detention center and other federal buildings, where hundreds of protesters gathered in the afternoon. Some demonstrators approached the reservists, shouting slogans like 'shame on you' and 'go home.' Police intervened with tear gas, while the National Guard reportedly refrained from using violence. An unknown number of people were arrested.

Further confrontations erupted as protesters threw street furniture and bottles, and erected barricades with chairs and trash cans. The situation escalated, with thousands of demonstrators marching through the streets and setting cars ablaze. Local police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas, flash grenades, and mounted officers. By late afternoon, protesters had been cleared from the highway.

Governor Newsom criticized Trump's decision, warning that the deployment risked severe escalation. He received support from other Democratic governors and local officials, who argued the National Guard's presence was exacerbating the situation. Trump defended the move, stating it was necessary to curb unrest and protect federal agents.