Trump threatens harsher crackdown on LA protesters amid immigration raids

Amid mounting tensions in Los Angeles, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened protesters with severe consequences following violent clashes between demonstrators and the National Guard. Labeling the unrest as an "insurrection," Trump warned that protesters who continue to defy authorities would be “hit harder than ever before.”

The protests erupted after immigration raids led to numerous arrests, particularly affecting Latino communities. On Sunday, a small part of downtown Los Angeles was the scene of chaos, with cars set ablaze and stores looted. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Trump defended the deployment of National Guard troops, claiming they prevented the city from being “completely obliterated.” He also blamed the violence on “professional agitators and insurrectionists.” On social media, Trump criticized demonstrators for allegedly spitting at troops and vowed strong retaliation against any further “disrespect.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom pushed back, accusing Trump of inciting unrest and promising to file a lawsuit against the federal government over the deployment of troops. In response, Trump suggested that Newsom should face arrest.

According to officials, the raids targeted undocumented immigrants and alleged gang members from cartels based in Mexico and Colombia. However, many residents painted a different picture, describing those arrested as people simply trying to improve their lives.

Despite incidents of arson and vandalism such as the torching of self-driving cars and obscene graffiti city officials emphasized that most of the demonstrations were peaceful. Schools remained open, and daily life in Los Angeles continued with little disruption.

Mayor Karen Bass downplayed the scale of the unrest, calling it “isolated to a few streets.” She accused federal actions of intentionally provoking disorder, while the United Nations criticized any further militarization of the situation.

After initial federal involvement, local police took over crowd control efforts using what they described as "less lethal" methods. Viral footage captured an Australian journalist being struck by a rubber bullet during a live broadcast.

Authorities reported that 56 individuals were arrested in Los Angeles, with five officers sustaining minor injuries. Another 60 arrests were made in San Francisco.

While the National Guard is typically reserved for natural disasters or large-scale civil disturbances usually with local consent critics accused Trump of using military force for political gain. His 2024 election opponent called the response “a dangerous escalation designed to provoke chaos.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the violence and urged the U.S. to respect the rights of migrants, calling on Mexicans living in America to remain peaceful and avoid provocations.