The White House announces it will deploy 2,000 National Guard members to 'address lawlessness' in California

The White House announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles, California, in response to violent riots sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation operations.

The clashes included attacks on ICE officers and other federal agents, escalating tensions in the city.

According to the White House statement signed by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California.”

The Trump administration described these operations as  "essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States." It accused California's Democratic leaders of "feckless" and "abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.”

In response, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum to mobilize the National Guard to "address lawlessness" in the city.

For its part, ICE reported through posts on X that, despite the violent protests, its operations continued, resulting in 118 arrests of immigrants in Los Angeles throughout the week, including gang members and several criminal immigrants.

The agency also claimed the destruction of public property, including death threats and profane language spray-painted on taxpayer-owned buildings, as well as objects thrown at law enforcement.

In the same vein, the Trump administration has emphasized a policy of "zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence,” promising that those responsible will be arrested and brought to justice.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision to send in the National Guard, calling it an "inflammatory" response from the federal government.

On his X account, Newsom noted:

"The federal government is taking steps to take control of the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 troops. This move is deliberately inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. Los Angeles authorities can access police assistance at any time. We maintain close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need. The Guard has been serving Los Angeles admirably during the recovery. This is the wrong mission and will erode public confidence."