On June 8 local time, US President Trump took to his social media platform “Truth Social” to make dramatic claims. He stated that Los Angeles had been “invaded and occupied” by illegal immigrants and criminals. According to Trump, violent rioters had gathered and attacked federal agents, trying to impede the government’s deportation operations.
Trump then issued instructions to key officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He directed them to coordinate with relevant departments and agencies and take all necessary steps to “liberate Los Angeles from the immigrant invasion and end these immigrant riots.” Trump emphasized his confidence that order would be restored, illegal immigrants would be deported, and Los Angeles would regain its “freedom.”
Local Leaders’ Criticism of Federal Actions
On the same day, June 8 local time, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded. Both leaders spoke out against the Trump administration’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard personnel to Los Angeles, arguing that it had only escalated the chaos.
Governor Newsom took to social media to criticize Trump’s move, stating that it was “aimed at creating a crisis rather than meeting actual needs.” He accused Trump of using “chaos” as a pretext to increase repression, incite more panic, and strengthen control. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, in a statement, emphasized that the deployment of the National Guard had exacerbated the unrest. She noted that Los Angeles residents were genuinely afraid, with fear spreading through communities and families, putting people at risk. She stressed that this was the last thing the city needed. Both leaders called on the public to remain calm and avoid violence.
Federal Threats and Continued Enforcement
According to CCTV News on June 9th, on June 8th local time, Homan, the White House’s border affairs director, issued a warning. He stated that if California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and other local officials continued to oppose the federal government’s immigration enforcement actions around Los Angeles, they could face arrest for serious crimes such as “harboring illegal immigrants” and “obstructing law enforcement”. Homan accused them of creating a “criminal sanctuary” and insisted that they “cannot avoid being arrested”.
Over the past two days, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had arrested approximately 150 undocumented immigrants in the relevant areas. Trump, early on the morning of the 8th local time, posted on social media again. He criticized the California government for its incompetence while praising the National Guard for its “excellent performance”. He also announced a new measure, stating, “From now on, masks are banned in protests.”
Law Enforcement Responses and Escalating Tensions
On the afternoon of June 8 local time, police officers in riot gear from the Los Angeles Police Department retreated after clashing with protesters near the Edward Roybal Federal Building. Around the same time, the Los Angeles Police Department declared the entire city on tactical alert. This alert allows supervisors to keep officers on duty during emergencies or major events and maintain a high level of staffing, essentially authorizing officers to work overtime.
Background: Trump’s Tough Stance on Immigration
As reported by Xinhua News Agency on the 8th, Republican President Trump has long held a hardline position on illegal immigrants. On January 20th, the day of his inauguration, he declared a “national emergency” along the southern border of the United States with Mexico. He vowed to deport “millions” of illegal residents and signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to hunt down and deport illegal immigrants.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, had previously condemned federal law enforcement officers for conducting large – scale raids on illegal immigrants in Los Angeles. She expressed her deep anger over the law enforcement actions on the 6th. Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Lyons, responded by accusing Bass of “supporting riots and illegal acts rather than law enforcement actions” and insisted that they would continue with the arrests of illegal immigrants.
Trump had warned on his social media platform “Truth Social” on the 7th that if Democratic California Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Bass “failed to fulfill their duties,” the federal government would step in to address the problem of riots and looting. Governor Newsom described Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard as a “deliberate provocation” that “would only heighten tensions”.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper also weighed in on social media, stating that violence and vandalism against federal agencies and facilities were “unacceptable”. He announced that the Department of Defense was “immediately mobilizing” the National Guard to Los Angeles and warned that if the violence continued, active – duty Marines from the Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton would be mobilized as they were on high alert.
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