PARAMOUNT, Calif. (AP) — President Donald Trump has ordered 2,000 members of the California National Guard to be deployed to Los Angeles, overriding opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom.
The deployment follows escalating protests on Saturday that led to clashes between demonstrators and immigration officials.
In a statement, the White House said the troops were being sent to address what it described as “lawlessness” that has been allowed to grow in the state.
Governor Newsom, a Democrat, criticized the decision on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “deliberately provocative” and warning that it would only heighten tensions.
Tensions flared in the southern part of Los Angeles for a second day, with tear gas and smoke filling the air as confrontations continued. President Trump also hinted that the federal government might take further action if the unrest persists.