President Donald Trump is no doubt feeling justified for deploying the National Guard and additional military assets in Los Angeles to quell riots that erupted over the deportation of illegal immigrants.
Initially downplaying the unrest, LAPD officials were compelled to acknowledge the out-of-control situation and their need for assistance on Monday, following two days of rioting in the city due to federal immigration enforcement operations.
LAPD officials declared the protests an “unlawful assembly” on Sunday night as demonstrators refused to disperse in the downtown area.
Central Division posted on X, “Agitators have splintered into and throughout the Downtown Area. Residents, businesses and visitors to the Downtown Area should be alert and report any criminal activity. Officers are responding to several different locations to disperse crowds.”
“An UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been declared for the Downtown Los Angeles area,” the department said.
The declaration, however, contradicted the narrative spun by Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who claims the Los Angeles Police Department does not require assistance from the National Guard.
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Governor Newsom as “too weak” to safeguard the city, noting that violent protesters overwhelmed police and ICE agents throughout the weekend. She also accused the governor of inaction as Friday’s unrest escalated into full-scale riots across Los Angeles.
“Federal law enforcement officers were attacked by violent radicals and illegal criminals waving foreign flags because Governor Newsom was too weak to protect the city,” Leavitt went on to say. “The Los Angeles Police Chief has even said the riots were getting out of hand.”
“President Trump has stepped in to maintain law and order and protect federal buildings,” she continued.
Trump federalized a total of 2,000 California National Guard troops and ordered them deployed to Los Angeles, with their arrival beginning on Sunday. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated over the weekend that these troops would provide additional security for buildings, support individuals engaging in peaceful protests, and assist law enforcement officers.
Late Monday, an additional battalion of 700 U.S. Marines specially trained in de-escalation tactics was also ordered to Los Angeles by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to assist local law enforcement and Guard troops in protecting federal agents and assets.
On Monday, Newsom continued to criticize Trump, labeling him as “unhinged.” The governor has been vocal on X, repeatedly accusing the president of improperly federalizing the state’s National Guard. He also asserted that Trump’s actions are exacerbating the situation.
“This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted,” Newsom said. “He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard. The order he signed doesn’t just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing.”
“We’re suing him,” Newsom continued.
Trump, as commander-in-chief, has constitutional and statutory authority to call up active duty and National Guard troops for situations he deems necessary.
Also Monday, Trump stated that border czar Tom Homan should probably arrest Newsom on charges of harboring illegal immigrants after Newsom publicly challenged Homan to do so during an unhinged MSNBC interview.
Fox News White House Correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump, “Gavin Newsom is — he’s daring Tom Homan to come and arrest him. Should he do it?”
“I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity. I like Gavin Newsom. He is a nice guy, but he’s grossly incompetent. Everybody knows [that]. All you have to do is look at the little railroad he is building. It’s about 100 times over budget,” Trump responded.