LOS ANGELES — President Donald Trump expressed gratitude towards an appeals court for pausing a judge’s directive that barred him from assuming command over California’s National Guard and deploying its forces to Los Angeles.
In a controversial move earlier this week, Trump commanded the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines into the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. The action followed rising protests triggered by the aggressive implementation of immigration policies that his administration enacted. On Friday, a military official confirmed that around 200 Marines have already stationed themselves in Los Angeles, with the primary mission of safeguarding federal assets and personnel.
The unrest in the city has led to the detention or arrest of nearly 470 demonstrators since the previous Saturday. However, the situation somewhat simmered down by late Thursday, marking a quieter night in Los Angeles since the mayor’s enforcement of an 8 p.m. curfew. Most of the disturbances have largely been restricted to a small area downtown, near key municipal landmarks such as City Hall and a federal detention center.
The tensions further exacerbated following the calling up of the Guard, extending similar unrest to other metropolitan areas nationwide. One significant event planned for Saturday is a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C., which aligns with Trump’s 79th birthday celebration and commemorates the Army’s 250th anniversary.
**Lingering Legal Battle Over Troop Deployment Continues**
Disputes regarding Trump’s decision to utilize the military in controlling the protests in Los Angeles are set to endure until at least next Tuesday. Governor Gavin Newsom of California petitioned the judiciary to urgently halt Trump’s troop dispatch, arguing it only intensified community tensions.
The Trump administration dismissed Newsom’s legal action as a “crass political stunt,” claiming it compromises public safety. They also indicated openness to deploying troops to other cities to support immigration enforcement and public order strategies, consistent with Trump’s pre-election pledges.
Thursday evening saw a federal judge determine that Trump’s deployment of the Guard was unconstitutional, citing an overstep of authority and breach of the Tenth Amendment. The ruling mandated the return of California’s Guard contingent under the state’s control. The White House condemned the ruling, dubbing it both “unprecedented” and hazardous for federal personnel.
The federal government swiftly contested this decision, and later that evening, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended the order. Trump took to his Truth Social platform declaring, “If I didn’t send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now.” The appeals court has scheduled a hearing for June 17 to deliberate the matter.
Major General Scott Sherman, leading Task Force 51, reported that the 200 plus Marines already on the ground will assume command of operations at noon in the city’s federal edifice.
**Role of Troops in Los Angeles**
The orders from President Trump propelled thousands of National Guard personnel closer to possibly engaging in law enforcement capacities, including aiding immigration operations—a move cementing Trump’s approach to his administration’s immigration crackdown.
General Sherman disclosed that the Marines are currently participating in civil disobedience training within Orange County. Meanwhile, around 500 Guard troops are prepared to accompany immigration officials during raids. The role of these forces extends to securing federal facilities and safeguarding federal law enforcement officers.
**Senator Padilla’s Controversial Removal**
A heated incident garnered attention at a Los Angeles briefing where U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed after interrupting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Democratic Senator’s intervention was halted by federal agents, prompting controversy.
Noem commented on the disruption, declaring, “I think everybody in America would agree that that was inappropriate.” Governor Newsom criticized the removal as “outrageous, dictatorial and shameful.” The Department of Homeland Security stated that Padilla’s actions were perceived as threatening, though recordings captured him identifying himself. Noem later discussed the incident with Padilla in a brief 15-minute meeting.
**Anticipation Builds for Military Parade and Protests**
Across numerous cities, protests are brewing in response to Trump’s immigration policy escalation and anticipated military parade on Saturday, including a counter-demonstration called the “No Kings” protest in Washington, D.C.
In Newark, New Jersey, tensions flared as demonstrators confronted barricades outside a federal detention center, culminating in chaos at Delaney Hall where Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operates a 1,000-bed facility.
**Immigration Crackdown Analysis**
Los Angeles County emerges as a prime target for the increased immigration raids, given that roughly 10% of its population resides without legal status. Stephen Miller, a high-ranking White House official instrumental in crafting Trump’s immigration policies, suggested that the daily arrest rate could accelerate to at least 3,000, a significant increase.
During a Congress session, Democratic governors insisted on lawful adherence concerning immigration practices and demanded equivalent compliance from the federal administration. New York Governor Kathy Hochul remarked, “As we speak, an American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor. This is a flagrant abuse of power and nothing short of an assault on our American values.”