Protests have erupted in downtown Los Angeles after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted large-scale raids, arresting over 120 undocumented immigrants in Latino-majority areas like Westlake and Paramount. These actions sparked five days of demonstrations, some of which turned violent with widespread graffiti and vandalism in parts of downtown. In response, President Donald Trump doubled the number of National Guard troops in the area and announced the deployment of 700 Marines to support federal law enforcement. This move has drawn heavy criticism from California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who called it "illegal" and possibly unconstitutional. Critics argue that Trump is using military force to intimidate communities rather than maintain peace.
Local officials, including LA City Council member Hugo Soto-Martinez and District Attorney Nathan Hochman, say the city can manage the situation without federal troops and accuse Trump of escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the raids, labeling LA a "city of criminals" and vowing to intensify enforcement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to face tough questions in Congress over the military’s domestic involvement, including the controversial use of Marines without invoking the rarely used Insurrection Act.
