Protests recently devolved into chaotic violence in California over Trump’s deportation plans. It’s seemingly getting worse.
That’s why President Trump announced this threat for any radical Leftist trying to obstruct his deportations of illegal immigrants.
Trump Vows Federal Action as National Guard Confronts California Protests
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to California elected officials on Sunday, stating they could face federal charges for obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation operations. The statement came amid escalating tensions in Los Angeles, where protests against ICE raids have entered their third day, prompting the deployment of the California National Guard.
“Officials who stand in the way of law and order, yeah, they will face judges,” Trump told reporters, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to upholding federal immigration enforcement.
Border Czar Tom Homan echoed the president’s stance, clarifying the legal consequences for local or state officials who interfere with ICE operations. “It’s a felony to knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien. It’s a felony to impede law enforcement from doing their job,” Homan said.
The California National Guard arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, following a night of protest activity that turned violent. The 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, dispatched to the city, is tasked with protecting federal buildings and facilities in the area, including the Metropolitan Detention Center.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem elaborated on the Guard’s role during an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation. “These 2000 National Guard soldiers that are being engaged today are ones that are specifically trained for this type of crowd situation, where they’ll be with the public and be able to provide safety around buildings and to those that are engaged in peaceful protests, and also to our law enforcement officers so they can continue their daily work,” Noem said.
Video footage posted by NBC News captured the National Guard’s arrival in downtown Los Angeles, with troops seen moving into position. Getty Images photographs showed soldiers stationed outside key federal facilities, including the Metropolitan Detention Center, as a visible show of federal authority.
By late Sunday afternoon, a significant protest presence remained in downtown Los Angeles. Demonstrators, some of whom turned violent, clashed with the newly deployed National Guard troops. Rioters set a car on fire and blocked a major freeway, disrupting traffic and escalating the unrest.
President Trump, speaking to reporters before departing New Jersey after a weekend trip, vowed to provide whatever resources necessary to restore order. “We’ll send whatever we need to make sure there’s law and order,” he said. “Last night in Los Angeles we watched it very closely, there was a lot of violence there and it could have got much worse.”
When asked about the potential for protests to spread beyond Los Angeles, Trump responded, “We’re going to be watching it very closely,” signaling a proactive federal response to any further unrest.
Anti-ICE rioter says of the charred ICE vehicle in Compton and warlike conditions in Los Angeles, “This is what happens when you tear communities apart.”
This is actually what happens when you let millions of illegals invade your state. They’re lawless by definition.
DEPORT. pic.twitter.com/92eqeQbR7C
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 8, 2025
The protests, which began in response to ICE arrests of illegal aliens, intensified on Sunday as hundreds of demonstrators flooded the 101 freeway in downtown Los Angeles, bringing traffic to a standstill. The California Highway Patrol worked to disperse the crowd from the southbound section of the freeway, according to a police statement.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported additional chaos in a historic neighborhood near Olvera Street, where protesters halted vehicles and set them ablaze. “Demonstrators have halted vehicles on Los Angeles North of Arcadia St and ignited the vehicles,” the LAPD posted on X. “Our partners with LAFD are attempting to enter the area to extinguish the fire. This is a historic area of DTLA, Olvera St. An UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been issued for the entire area.”
President Trump placed blame on California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for failing to curb the unrest. He criticized their inaction, stating it necessitated federal intervention. “You’ve got to take care of it, otherwise I’m sending in the troops. And that’s what we did,” Trump said, recounting his conversation with Newsom.
The deployment of the National Guard marks a significant escalation in the federal response to the protests, which have disrupted Los Angeles for three consecutive days. The administration’s focus remains on restoring order and ensuring ICE can carry out its operations without interference.
Federal and local authorities are working to manage the protests and prevent further violence. The presence of National Guard troops seemed inevitable with the Trump administration’s determination to maintain law and order in the face of resistance to immigration enforcement.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
