Trump Sends 2,000 More Troops to LA as Anti-ICE Riots Escalate

The Trump administration has escalated its response to anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, deploying an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to safeguard federal property. This move, coordinated by U.S. Northern Command, brings the total force to 4,100 Guardsmen and 700 active-duty Marines under Task Force 51, led by Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman. The 49th Military Police Brigade now joins the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in a mission focused on protecting federal assets, not civilian law enforcement.

The deployment follows weeks of unrest sparked by ICE immigration sweeps in Paramount, California, which spread to Los Angeles. Downtown stores were looted, buildings vandalized with anti-ICE and anti-Trump graffiti, and threatening messages targeting the president appeared. A recent looting incident at an AutoZone, costing $67,000 in damages, underscores the ongoing chaos. Detectives are probing possible links to a street takeover.

Political tensions are running high. California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued the administration, alleging the initial deployment of 2,000 state National Guard members was illegal and politically motivated. A U.S. District Judge ruled in Newsom’s favor, though the matter is under appellate review. Newsom’s spokesperson called the latest deployment 'political theater,' claiming it diverts soldiers from critical wildfire and border duties.

President Trump fired back on TRUTH Social, slamming Newsom’s 'incompetence' and defending ICE officers as 'great patriots' under attack by 'out-of-control' mobs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this, emphasizing the need to protect ICE agents. The Pentagon insists troops are trained in de-escalation and crowd control, operating strictly to support federal agencies.

As Los Angeles grapples with this volatile mix of protests, violence, and legal battles, the deployment signals a hardline stance on immigration enforcement—and a deeper divide between state and federal powers.