LA protests live: Trump deploys National Guard after public clash with ICE agents

A video posted to X shows what appears to be the National Guard in Los Angeles.

It states: “They didn’t come to stand around. Shields up, batons out, and formations tight.”

National Guards are set to arrive in Los Angeles within 24 hours.

The 2,000 National Guard members Donald Trump deployed to Los Angeles will arrive within 24 hours, according to the interim US attorney for the Central District of California.

Donald Trump has authorised the deployment of 2,000 national guard troops to Los Angeles, after an immigration crackdown erupted into mass protests.

The clashes were first seen in the Los Angeles area on Friday following Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration raids in the city.

There were 118 arrests were made in LA this week as a result of ICE operations, including 44 on Friday, the BBC reported.

It later emerged that detainees were allegedly being held Federal Building in downtown LA and it became a focus for protesters.

It was reported that graffiti was sprayed on the building and objects were thrown at police.

Another protest then broke out on Saturday in the city of Paramount over another immigration raid.

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said there were as many as 400 people involved in the demonstration.

The department then declared an unlawful assembly in an attempt to disperse demonstrators.

It comes as immigration raids have increased under Trump’s administration – last month he asked federal agents to arrest 3,000 people a day.

The National Guard has not been deployed in the city of Los Angeles, mayor Karen Bass has said.

In a post on X she thanked the LA Police Department and local law enforcement for their work on Saturday night.

She said: “I want to thank LAPD and local law enforcement for their work tonight. I also want to thank @GovernorNewsom for his support.

“Just to be clear, the National Guard has not been deployed in the City of Los Angeles.”

The mayor has criticised ICE raids and reported violence during protests against them.

US president Donald Trump thanks the National Guard in LA in a post on social media.

He criticised the state and city’s Democrat leaders and the protesters, on Truth Social.

He said: “These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED.”

He added: “From now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests.

“What do these people have to hide, and why???”

“Thank you to the National Guard for a job well done,” he added.

A reporter covering the anti-ICE protests in LA was caught in the crossfire and had his vehicle’s windows smashed and “f*** ICE” spray painted on one of his doors.

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester. The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”

Law enforcement officers have started firing off tear gas at protesters in LA, according to CBS Los Angeles.

The LAPD said that the protests were largely peaceful, but also declared the demonstration unlawful just after 9pm local time on Saturday night.