Los Angeles, June 10 (AP) - President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, intensifying a military presence that local authorities, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have deemed unnecessary and challenging. The city's police chief has expressed concerns over logistical difficulties in managing the protests, which have erupted in response to Trump's immigration policies.
The initial group of 2,000 Guard troops began arriving on Sunday amid widespread protests over the administration's intensified enforcement of immigration laws. Critics argue these laws are leading to the separation of migrant families, prompting significant unrest.
Monday's demonstrations were significantly more peaceful compared to previous days, with a large rally taking place at City Hall. Protesters also gathered outside a federal complex housing a detention center where immigrants are detained following citywide workplace raids.
Trump has painted a bleak picture of Los Angeles, a description starkly opposed by Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom. They argue that the deployment of military forces is jeopardizing public safety, despite police assertions that additional personnel are unnecessary.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell expressed confidence in his department's capacity to manage the demonstrations, cautioning that the uncoordinated arrival of Marines poses "significant logistical and operational challenges" for the police.
Governor Newsom criticized the military deployments on the social platform X, labeling them as reckless and "disrespectful to our troops," and questioning the motives behind them. "This isn't about public safety," Newsom stated, "it's about stroking a dangerous President's ego."
The protests were sparked on Friday following the arrest of over 40 people by federal immigration authorities. On Sunday, tension peaked with protesters blocking a major freeway and setting self-driving cars ablaze, prompting police to respond with tear gas and other crowd-control measures.
The sentiment against the deployment has led California Attorney General Rob Bonta to file a lawsuit challenging the use of National Guard troops. Bonta has accused Trump of "trampling" on the state's sovereignty and seeks a court declaration against the President's actions.
Trump defended the deployment, claiming the city faced potential destruction without federal intervention. Federal officials clarified that Marines are positioned to protect federal properties and personnel, including immigration officers. However, interactions between troops and protesters have been limited, with local law enforcement assuming primary responsibility for managing the crowds.
Initial protests on Monday were peaceful, marked by a large rally at City Hall in support of David Huerta, a labor leader arrested amid Friday's protest. Huerta, who leads the Service Employees International Union California, was later released on a USD 50,000 bond.
Amid demonstrations, crowds maintained a peaceful and even celebratory atmosphere, joining hands in solidarity amidst a heavy law enforcement presence near central federal facilities. Efforts by religious groups and organizers helped keep tensions from escalating.
As Monday's protests waned, police ushered remaining demonstrators away, deploying crowd-control munitions to disperse them. Some confrontations did occur, with police detaining a number of protesters.
Throughout Los Angeles County on Monday, additional protests unfolded. At one event outside a clothing warehouse, families of those detained demanded information about their loved ones, while expressing fears of being targeted by authorities.
The deployment marks a rare instance where the National Guard has been activated without a governor's consent, a move not seen since 1965 when federal troops were sent to Alabama during a civil rights march.
In a directive issued Saturday, Trump invoked a legal provision enabling federal deployment if "a rebellion or danger of rebellion" threatens U.S. government authority. (AP) PY
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