What’s happening?
Protests erupted in Los Angeles after federal immigration raids began on June 6. The demonstrations have drawn thousands and turned tense, with over 250 arrests and reports of vandalism and violence.
Trump’s response:
On June 10, President Trump deployed Marines and National Guard troops to the city — without approval from California’s governor. This marks one of the first uses of federal force under Title 10 in a U.S. state without consent in decades.
Why it matters:
- Escalation: The move has been widely criticized as authoritarian and potentially unconstitutional.
- Political Fallout: California officials and human rights groups say it’s a dangerous overreach.
- Bigger Picture: Trump is defending the action, framing the protests as a threat to national order amid rising anti-immigration rhetoric in his campaign.
Context:
The crisis highlights growing tension between federal and state authority, especially over immigration policy. Civil rights groups and legal experts warn it sets a troubling precedent for using military force in domestic civil unrest.
Source: Reuters