President Trump is unleashing military force against anti-immigration protesters in Los Angeles, vowing to use “equal or greater force” nationwide if similar unrest spreads. The bold move deploys 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to protect ICE operations despite fierce opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders who call it a dangerous federal overreach.
Trump Deploys Military Forces to Los Angeles Over Governor’s Objections
President Donald Trump has ordered thousands of military personnel to Los Angeles in response to what he describes as violent protests against his immigration enforcement operations. The deployment includes 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, sent to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting operations throughout the city.
The military presence was established against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom, marking a significant clash between federal and state authorities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly supported the President’s decision, emphasizing that ICE has “a legal right to operate safely anywhere in this country.”
Trump Warns of Nationwide Military Response to “Insurrectionists”
In statements that have alarmed his political opponents, Trump warned that similar military deployments could extend beyond Los Angeles if protests erupt elsewhere. The President vowed to meet any resistance to his immigration policies with “equal or greater force,” suggesting a potentially broader use of military personnel in civilian areas.
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Trump has claimed, without providing evidence, that the protesters are “paid insurrectionists” attempting to prevent lawful deportations of illegal immigrants. His characterization of the situation as an “insurrection” has raised speculation that he may invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow broader deployment of military forces for law enforcement purposes.
Constitutional Questions and Political Backlash
The deployment has triggered significant constitutional debates about federal authority versus state sovereignty. Twenty-two Democratic governors joined Governor Newsom in condemning Trump’s actions as a dangerous provocation that threatens to undermine public trust and civil liberties.
Legal experts note that the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act generally restricts military personnel from engaging in civilian law enforcement activities. Despite Trump’s claims of widespread violence, ABC News reporting from Los Angeles indicates that protests have been largely confined to downtown areas with minimal violence reported.
Republican lawmakers have largely supported the President’s decisive action, praising his commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting federal agents. Trump has stated that military forces will remain in Los Angeles “until the danger subsides,” leaving an open-ended timeline for what could become a prolonged federal military presence in America’s second-largest city.
Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-mark-army-milestone-troops-deployed-los-angeles-2025-06-10/