Trump deploys National Guard in L.A. amid protests over immigration raids

One person has been arrested and several others detained following Saturday night's protests across Los Angeles, a spokesperson for the L.A. Sheriff's Department told NBC News on the phone.

The spokesperson said the arrest was linked to the protests, without indicating what the charges were.

They added that two deputies were injured and transported to a local area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. They have been released.

At the time of the phone call (5.20 a.m. ET), the spokesperson said crowds had diminished but the protest was still considered active.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard is “completely unnecessary,” after Trump said late Saturday that 2,000 members of the guard would be deployed.

“Our city has experienced massive civil unrest before,” she said in an interview with a Fox local affiliate, referring to riots that took place in L.A. in 1992, when more than 50 people were killed and thousands arrested.

“If you want to see it happen again, then you have an extreme presence of troops or law enforcement officers, and that is going to agitate the population. That is not going to solve the problem.”

Bass said she had spoken to the Trump administration and that L.A. was “well equipped to handle” any violence associated with protests.

“2000 officers, 2000 in our city will not be a positive thing and will not be helpful,” she added.

National Guard troops will arrive in L.A. County within the next 24 hours, the Trump administration's top law enforcement official in southern California said in an interview with the New York Times early on Sunday.

Bilal "Bill" A. Essayli, the interim attorney for the Central District of California said the 2,000 troops were needed to quell protests over immigration enforcement that are "out of control."

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said after midnight on Sunday that the National Guard "has not been deployed in the city of Los Angeles," in a post shortly after Trump thanked the National Guard for a "job well done."

President Trump thanked the National Guard for a "job well done" on social media, but there's still no sign of troops in Los Angeles as protests died down for the night after a day of chaos.

Police held a skirmish line and maintained patrols past midnight, and small groups of protesters were still walking the streets and waving flags.

Organizers have already called for a third day of protests in the city for Sunday.

LAPD says it has detained multiple people in downtown LA on Alameda between Aliso and Temple, after they breached a dispersal order and reentered an area of unlawful assembly.

"Those detained people will be arrested and booked for failing to disperse," it said on social media.

A demonstrator was seen hurling an object at a police cruiser, shattering its rear window, after surrounding the vehicle at an intersection in downtown Los Angeles tonight.

Aerial video from NBC Los Angeles showed several police officers park their cruisers at the intersection of 1st and Alameda streets shortly before 11 p.m. Officers had stepped out of the their vehicles and there was a standoff with demonstrators that was, for a period of time, uneventful.

As officers began reentering their cruisers and driving away from the area, however, protesters surrounded one vehicle, and someone hurled what appeared to be a large piece of concrete at it. Some people then appeared to kick the vehicle before it sped away.

The U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, which includes L.A., said more than a dozen people were arrested today following clashes between protesters and federal agents.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said on X that the suspects were arrested for allegedly impeding federal agents, though details, including exact possible charges, were unavailable.

"We will continue to arrest anyone who interferes with federal law enforcement," he said.

Authorities formed a skirmish line tonight to displace a crowd that had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, the federal lockup in downtown L.A.

The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division, which covers downtown, said in a statement on X at 9:05 p.m. that it has declared an unlawful assembly, meaning anyone remaining can be arrested. The department gave stragglers five minutes to get out.

Aerial coverage from NBC Los Angeles showed law enforcement in riot gear pushing members of the crowd away from the detention center while also using what appeared to be pepper-ball-type irritants and possibly tear gas, the station reported.

The LAPD said in an earlier statement that demonstrations across the city on Saturday “remained peaceful.” The statement was issued before the action outside the detention center heated up.

NBC Los Angeles said the law enforcement group on the ground forming that skirmish line appeared to be composed entirely of federal officers.

08:31

Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed border czar, defended the president’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles despite opposition to the move from local leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom — and warned that the governor and L.A.'s mayor could be arrested.

“President Trump is deploying the National Guard because they’re going to support our law enforcement efforts here that will help protect public safety,” Homan told NBC News tonight.

Newsom accused Trump’s administration of using the deployment to create a “spectacle.” Earlier, he called the immigration arrests that triggered protests a “chaotic” attempt to sow chaos and escalate tensions. 

Homan dismissed Newsom’s assertion and chided the governor for his criticism of the administration’s effort to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom tonight said the Trump administration's move to federalize and deploy the state National Guard is being done not because of a legitimate need but due to the desire for a desire for a "spectacle."

Newsom acknowledged the Trump administration's move to use the California National Guard to protect federal agents and help arrest troublemakers during protests against federal immigration raids, and he urged demonstrators to remain peaceful.

"The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle," the governor said in a statement on X.

"Don't give them one," he added. "Never use violence. Speak out peacefully."

The deployment of the California National Guard might end up being a first step if federal agents are attacked again in Los Angeles, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said tonight, adding that he might deploy U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton in San Diego County to support federal law enforcement.

"They are on high alert," he said.

President Donald Trump signed a memo tonight federalizing 2,000 California National Guardsmen to address what a White House official called the “lawlessness that has been allowed to fester” in Los Angeles.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told NBC News the president can “call forth” guardsmen who would otherwise report to a state’s governor. Trump has the authority to do this under limited circumstances, she said.

“These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States,” Leavitt said.

A copy of the memo shows the administration is seeking to deploy at least 2,000 Guardsmen for 60 days or a period of time determined by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth "may employ any other members of the regular Armed Forces as necessary to augment and support the protection of Federal functions and property in any number determined appropriate in his discretion," the memo states.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the step was unnecessary, arguing the move is “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions” and that there is “currently no unmet need.”

Mayor Karen Bass today took a hard line against those creating unrest as protesters decry federal immigration raids in the Los Angeles area this weekend.

She issued the statement on a day when ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons alleged that the mayor sided with protesters who "attacked" federal agents in downtown Los Angeles yesterday. "Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement," he said.

Bass' statement today puts her on the side of law enforcement, even as she said yesterday she was "deeply angered" by a trio of immigration raids that sparked the protests, adding, "We will not stand for this."

Today she had strong words for troublemakers.

"We’ve been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward," Bass said. "Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

Bass said it's a "difficult time" because the city is rebuilding from the Jan. 7 firestorms as increased immigration enforcement will impact many in a region known for its immigrant enclaves.

A car burns as law enforcement clashes with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations, in Compton, California on June 7, 2025. RINGO CHIU / AFP via Getty Images

Law enforcement and a handful of demonstrators faced off this evening on opposite sides of an intersection where a car had earlier gone up in flames.

Law enforcement cruisers could be seen positioned around the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue as officers with tactical gear surrounded the area. The car had earlier been alight in the middle of the intersection in Compton, just across the Los Angeles River from Paramount.

Aerial video showed firefighters dousing the vehicle shortly after 5 p.m. It wasn’t immediately clear who the car belonged to or how the blaze started.

By 5:50 p.m., the burned-out vehicle remained as a handful of people waved large Mexican flags nearby. What appeared to be smoke grenades were occasionally launched into the area as traffic crawled through the intersection.

The federal government is "moving to take over" the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers, Gov. Gavin Newsom said today.

“That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions,” he said in a statement. “LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice.”

Newsom said he is in close coordination with the city and county of Los Angeles and there is “currently no unmet need.”

Border czar Tom Homan said earlier today on Fox News that federal authorities were mobilizing to deploy the National Guard.

“This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust,” Newsom said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies deployed less-lethal munitions on remaining protesters in Paramount today via rapid-fire rounds as the demonstration was declared an unlawful assembly.

Deputies in full riot gear that included ballistic vests, full helmets and, in some cases, clear shields, pushed forward in unison as some protesters refused to leave the area near a Home Depot where some mistakenly believed federal immigration raid was to take place earlier.

More tear gas was deployed, as well as distraction devices that produce a shocking, explosive sound.

The incursion on streets used by protesters pushed forward shortly after 5 p.m. The declaration of an unlawful assembly allows deputies to arrest people still in the area.

The Los Angeles Police Department today responded to a claim by ICE acting Director Todd Lyons that officers took two hours to respond to help calls from federal agents who faced boisterous protesters yesterday.

Lyons said it took LAPD officers more than two hours to come to the aid of federal agents downtown after help was requested multiple times. He said agents were surrounded by more than 1,000 protesters following federal immigration raids on three locations in L.A.

Lyons singled out Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for allegedly favoring "chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement," according to his statement today.

The LAPD disputed Lyons' characterization with its own statement.

The department said it took officers about an hour to respond to agents' help call as protesters gathered near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building downtown.

Border czar Tom Homan said authorities are mobilizing to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids this weekend.

“We’re going to bring the National Guard in tonight," he told Fox News. "We're going to continue doing our job. We’re going to push back on these people.”

“You can protest all you want,” he added. “You got your First Amendment rights, but if you cross that line of impediment, or you put hands on officers or destroy property, you will be prosecuted. There’s zero tolerance on crossing that line, and that’s what we’re standing by.”

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies deployed tear gas on protesters in Paramount this afternoon as they sought to end the chaotic gathering.

The deployment was preceded by explosive less-lethal rounds and the placement of cinder blocks in the street near a Home Depot where protesters believed federal immigration enforcement agents were conducting a raid. Fireworks also peppered the soundscape.

Sheriff Robert Luna said no immigration raid took place, though there was staging at federal offices adjacent to the Home Depot.

Sheriff's officials ordered the raucous crowd to disperse around 2:30 p.m., though several people remained in the area hours later.

Tear gas fills the street as protesters confront Border Patrol personnel during a demonstration over the dozens detained in an operation by federal immigration authorities a day earlier in the city of Paramount, south of downtown Los Angeles, on Saturday, June 7, 2025.  Eric Thayer / AP Photo

A fire burns as a protester stands across the way from Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks outside an industrial park in the city of Paramount, south of downtown Los Angeles, on Saturday, June 7, 2025.  Eric Thayer / AP Photo

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said several dozen deputies were sent to the city of Paramount after federal agents sought assistance because they came under “attack.”

Luna said deputies were initially dispatched to the area this morning in connection with a “street takeover,” or sideshow. 

He said there was a conflict between a crowd that had gathered and the federal agents. Eventually, that crowd grew to between 350 and 400 people, and some began throwing objects at the agents, Luna said. 

Luna said he’s had limited conversations with federal authorities, and his deputies had “nothing to do” with helping immigration operations unfolding across Los Angeles this weekend.

Sheriff says deputies sent to Paramount after crowd attacks federal agents

02:12

The mayor of Paramount, California, blamed the chaos that erupted amid fear of ongoing federal immigration enforcement on a lack of communication from U.S. officials.

Mayor Peggy Lemons said no immigration raid had taken place in her city despite what appeared to be possible staging by federal agents. Still, the community was fearful following yesterday's actions in Los Angeles' Fashion District and beyond, and protesters came out in force.

"One of the big issues is just lack of communication from the authorities when something like this happened, so that we could have a better handle and be better prepared to educate our residents," she said during an afternoon news conference.

Following yesterday's immigration enforcement, which included three raids in L.A., people in immigrant-populated communities are afraid, the mayor said.

"They’re just frightened," Lemons said. "And when you handle things the way that this appears to be handled, it’s not a surprise that chaos would follow."

The administration of President Donald Trump said immigration enforcement operations were ongoing across the nation as authorities sought to fulfill a goal of 3,000 arrests per day.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials issued dispersal orders for remaining protesters drawn to the area today amid apparent immigration enforcement at a Home Depot.

Officials using loudspeakers warned protesters to leave and said that if they don't, projectiles will be used against them.

Deputies in riot gear, including helmets and shields, amassed in the area this afternoon as protesters decrying the federal enforcement actions grew unruly.

White House border czar Tom Homan is in Los Angeles for the immigration raids that began yesterday and continue to unfold this weekend, a White House official told NBC News.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said that authorities were "pouring through" videos of protests at immigration operations Friday where dozens of people were taken into custody.

"You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs," he said. "Law and order will prevail."

Forty-four people were arrested administratively, indicating they did not commit a crime. A union leader was arrested on obstruction charges.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned “rioters” of prosecution if they “lay a hand” on authorities, while FBI Director Kash Patel responded to comments from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass saying the city “will not stand” for the raids.

“We will,” Patel said.

Social media video verified by NBC News captured protesters and authorities clashing near the Home Depot.

At one point, officers wearing green uniforms that said “police” could be seen shoving protesters who were in the street.

At another point, as officers began saying “move,” a group of them could be seen in a physical struggle with an individual on the ground as another officer pointed a weapon at protesters.

Today's protest comes one day after dozens of people were taken into custody as federal immigration authorities raided three locations across Los Angeles.

David Huerta, president of SEIU California, was among those arrested for allegedly obstructing law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said. Forty-four people were administratively arrested, indicating they did not commit a crime.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the raids, calling them “chaotic federal sweeps” that aimed to fill an “arbitrary arrest quota.”

“Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy,” he said.

Protesters confront law enforcement agents outside an industrial park in Paramount. Eric Thayer / AP

A protester is given aid as Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stood guard outside an industrial park in Paramount. Eric Thayer / AP

Protesters kick the side of a Border Patrol vehicle. Eric Thayer / AP

Protestors were seen clashing with law enforcement during a chaotic scene near a Home Depot south of downtown Los Angeles.

Paramount, a city of roughly 51,000 people, is 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.

It is a largely Latino community with a per capita annual income of less than $25,000, according to the U.S. census.

A protest erupted in Los Angeles today as the region’s top federal prosecutor said federal law enforcement operations were “proceeding as planned” across the county.

“I urge the public to refrain from interfering with these lawful actions. Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution,” said Bill Essayli, U.S. attorney for California's Central District.

At least 30 officers wearing tactical gear and gas masks could be seen positioned across the street from a Home Depot in Paramount, south of downtown Los Angeles.

It wasn’t immediately clear what agency the officers work for or why they were there.

Shopping carts were strewn across smoke-filled streets occupied by dozens of people. Some appeared to throw things toward the officers. At one point, a fire was lit in the street.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it was on scene ​“to assist with keeping the peace but not get involved with any detentions or arrests.”