Trump seizes on Los Angeles protests in contentious use of military amid migrant crackdown

President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles has sparked intense backlash and national concern. The move follows immigration raids by federal agents that triggered protests and unrest in the city. But critics say Trump’s actions go far beyond a public safety measure.

“This is a show of force, not a solution,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “The situation doesn’t justify this level of intervention.”

Over the weekend, Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. The deployment was made without the consent of state officials. This marks a rare use of federal authority to override a governor’s decision in a domestic context.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!” His rhetoric suggested he’s aiming not just to restore order but to flex presidential muscle.

Northern Command said Sunday night that 500 U.S. Marines are now on “prepared to deploy” status. If active-duty troops are used, the legal and constitutional implications would be enormous.

“This appears to be about optics,” said constitutional law professor Amanda Tyler. “It feeds a political narrative more than a legal necessity.”

Tensions exploded over the weekend after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of controversial raids in Los Angeles. Protests broke out downtown. Police used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds. Protesters were seen setting fire to self-driving cars.

Authorities arrested dozens and declared all of downtown an unlawful assembly area.

Despite this unrest, state and city officials say local law enforcement has the situation under control. Mayor Karen Bass called the National Guard presence “unnecessary and inflammatory.”

Still, National Guard troops arrived at three locations Sunday evening. CNN reporters saw federal officers firing tear gas at protesters outside the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Legal experts warn that if troops engage in active law enforcement, it could violate the Posse Comitatus Act. This law prohibits federal troops from performing police duties without congressional approval or invocation of the Insurrection Act.

So far, Trump has not invoked that act. But the administration’s language is escalating. White House adviser Stephen Miller posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Deport the invaders, or surrender to insurrection.”

That phrase raised alarms. “They are laying the groundwork to justify emergency powers,” said political analyst Julian Zelizer.

Many see the move as a political play. Images of troops in combat gear may boost Trump’s image as a strong leader. He also escalates his public feud with Newsom, a likely contender for national office.

Some Republican lawmakers backed Trump’s move. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said, “If the mayor or governor won’t protect citizens, the president will.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota disagreed. “This inflames the situation,” she told CBS. “This president has shown a willingness to violate the law for political gain.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders warned of rising authoritarianism. “He wants all of the power,” Sanders said. “He does not believe in the Constitution.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added fuel to the fire. On X, he said Marines at Camp Pendleton are on high alert and could be mobilized. Legal scholars quickly pushed back.

“That would almost certainly be illegal without the Insurrection Act,” said Mary DeYoung, a former Pentagon counsel.

Hegseth has faced criticism since his confirmation. At his hearing, he refused to rule out following orders that could be unconstitutional. His actions suggest he may carry out any directive Trump gives.

Veteran groups also spoke out. “The militarized response to protests in Los Angeles is a dangerous escalation,” said Naveed Shah of Common Defense. “It undermines civil rights and betrays our democratic principles.”

The political risk is clear. A new CBS poll shows most Americans support Trump’s immigration goals. But 56% disapprove of his approach.

For now, the Guard remains on standby, and the public watches closely. Many wonder if this moment will set a new precedent — one where military force becomes a political tool on American streets.

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