Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has strongly opposed former President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, asserting that local law enforcement is fully capable of managing the recent wave of protests sparked by federal immigration raids.
“I do not believe that is called for,” Bass said, responding to the federal action. “I am confident that LAPD and other law enforcement agencies like the sheriffs can handle things in Los Angeles.” Her remarks come amid mounting tensions following widespread ICE raids that resulted in the detention of dozens of undocumented immigrants.
According to CNN, approximately 300 National Guard troops have already arrived in three locations across the city, despite Bass’s reservations. The deployment was ordered by Trump in response to what he described as a breakdown of control by both Mayor Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Bass rejected that accusation, saying, “I certainly reject the notion that neither the governor nor I can do our jobs. We’ve been in close collaboration with each other and in communication with representatives from the White House.”
She acknowledged that the immigration enforcement actions have been “very, very difficult” for many Los Angeles residents, but firmly denounced violent protest. “Under no circumstances is violence acceptable. And frankly, when there is violence, it compromises the cause people are fighting for,” she told ABC7.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth characterized the demonstrations as “violent mob assaults” aimed at obstructing the removal of “criminal illegal aliens.” He warned that if violence continues, active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton may also be deployed.
Echoing that stance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt justified the National Guard deployment as critical to stopping an “invasion of illegal criminals,” blaming California’s Democratic leadership for letting “lawlessness” spiral.
California Governor Gavin Newsom hit back, calling the federal response “purposefully inflammatory.” He warned that such heavy-handed actions would only deepen mistrust. “Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy,” Newsom said.
As federal-state tensions intensify, the debate continues over how to balance law enforcement, immigration policy, and civil liberties in one of the country’s most diverse and populous cities.
