For the third consecutive day, mass protests have swept through Los Angeles in opposition to the federal government’s immigration policy. Following President Trump’s directive, 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to the city. Local officials say the move has only heightened tensions. Tear gas has already been used during clashes with demonstrators.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has formally demanded that President Donald Trump revoke the decision to deploy National Guard units to Los Angeles amid ongoing unrest.
On June 9, Newsom posted on X a copy of a letter addressed to Acting Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. In the letter, the governor emphasizes that only a state’s governor may request federal deployment of the National Guard—except in cases of foreign invasion or threats to the functioning of the federal government.
People watch as demonstrators block the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles on June 8.
Smoke rises during clashes between police and demonstrators amid ongoing immigration raids by the Trump administration in Los Angeles, California. June 8, 2025.
Smoke rises over the site of clashes between police and demonstrators in Los Angeles on June 8.
National Guard troops and Department of Homeland Security officers clash with demonstrators protesting ICE raids outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
A protester damages a Waymo vehicle in Los Angeles on June 8.
Immigrant rights supporters stage a protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center on June 8.
Participants in the immigration march in Los Angeles on June 8 flee from tear gas.
Amid clouds of smoke, protesters can be seen near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where National Guard troops and U.S. Department of Homeland Security officers were deployed on June 8.
Fireworks explode in front of police officers confronting demonstrators during a protest that erupted following federal immigration operations, in the Compton area of Los Angeles early on June 8.
Looters break into a gas station convenience store during clashes between demonstrators and police that erupted after federal immigration raids, in the Compton area of Los Angeles early on June 8.
A firework launched by protesters explodes near Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies during an immigration protest on June 7 in Paramount, California.
Law enforcement officers during a protest in Compton on June 7, following a series of raids carried out by federal immigration authorities.
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