President Donald Trump has ordered the arrest of anyone wearing face masks and demanded the deployment of troops as riots continue for a third consecutive day in Los Angeles following a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration.
The President declared “Bring in the troops” in a Truth Social post on Sunday, amid escalating violence in Downtown LA where fires, looting, and attacks on law enforcement have turned city streets into a conflict zone.
More than 2,000 National Guard troops have already been dispatched, with 500 U.S. Marines on standby, as LAPD struggles to contain what it now describes as urban warfare.
Protests Turn Violent as Migrant Raids Trigger Unrest
Clashes began after a series of federal immigration raids in Los Angeles on Friday, which resulted in the arrest of 118 undocumented migrants, including alleged gang members and sex offenders.
Federal agents say they faced resistance from demonstrators described by authorities as “agitators” who interfered with deportation operations.
Protests quickly escalated into violence, with fires set to Waymo self-driving vehicles, looting reported across the city centre, and officers attacked with commercial-grade fireworks, concrete slabs, and tear gas canisters.
Police Overwhelmed on 101 Freeway
One of the most dangerous incidents unfolded on the 101 Freeway, where law enforcement officers were trapped under an overpass while demonstrators hurled burning objects and heavy rocks from above.
Police vehicles were torched, and attempts to extinguish the fires were met with renewed attacks.
“We are overwhelmed,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “We had individuals shooting fireworks at our officers. That can kill you.”
Downtown Declared ‘Unlawful Assembly’ as Arrests Climb
Authorities have declared all of Downtown Los Angeles an unlawful assembly area, issuing orders for residents and bystanders to leave immediately.
The LAPD has authorised the use of “less-lethal munitions”, and more than 89 arrests have been made since the unrest began.
Police say demonstrators are using hammers, cinder blocks, and flammable liquids, while barricading streets with bins and chairs. Motorcyclists reportedly drove directly into riot lines, injuring at least two officers.
Tensions Explode Between Trump and California Officials
California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned the federal response as a “dangerous escalation,” accusing Trump of violating state sovereignty.
“We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved,” Newsom said, warning of a potential lawsuit against the federal government.
In response, Trump demanded apologies from both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, branding protesters “insurrectionists” rather than peaceful demonstrators.
Trump’s border adviser Tom Homan warned, “It’s a felony to impede federal law enforcement.” Newsom retorted: “Come and arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”
City on Tactical Alert
Los Angeles remains under tactical alert, with all LAPD officers told they may be called in at any moment. Officers currently on duty have had leave suspended.
Elsewhere, riot police clashed with demonstrators in San Francisco, and there are reports of similar disturbances in other Californian cities.
A journalist from an Australian network was struck by a rubber bullet during a live broadcast in an area deemed “unlawful.”
Waymo Cars Torched, Troops on Standby
Among the most harrowing images were scenes of Waymo robotaxis burning in Downtown LA.
Protesters were seen dancing on the roofs of the burning vehicles and waving Mexican flags, as police warned that burning lithium-ion batteries pose a serious health risk.
Waymo has suspended services in the city, citing safety concerns.
White House: “Liberate Los Angeles”
In a statement posted on Sunday afternoon, President Trump ordered his administration to “liberate Los Angeles from the migrant invasion.”
He praised the National Guard (before their arrival) for a “great job” and called for immediate and decisive action to restore order.
“Order will be restored, the illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free,” Trump wrote.
Critics, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, say the deployment is intended to “provoke chaos” and deepen national division.
What Happens Next
With the situation volatile and tensions running high, officials fear violence will increase again after nightfall. Police are preparing for a prolonged standoff, while state and federal leaders remain locked in a political war of words.
As of this morning, Downtown LA remains sealed off, National Guard units are taking positions, and the city holds its breath, awaiting the next move in what is quickly becoming one of the most explosive confrontations in recent U.S. history.
