Former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, labeling it a “dangerous escalation” and “cruel” amidst a third consecutive day of violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Harris defended the “overwhelmingly peaceful” nature of the protests in her home state, a stance that notably contrasts with local officials’ condemnation of the accompanying violence.
The unrest, which began last week in response to intensified federal immigration enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has spiraled into widespread confrontations. Reports include rock-throwing, alleged Molotov cocktails, burning vehicles, and numerous arrests across multiple Los Angeles locations. These raids are part of the Trump administration’s pledge to execute the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, with some operations reportedly sweeping up individuals with proper documentation.
President Trump authorized the National Guard mobilization Saturday evening, citing violence against law enforcement, specifically ICE agents conducting deportation raids. While the raids adhere to federal directives, protests have been fueled by unconfirmed reports of detainees being held in a federal building basement—allegations ICE has “categorically refute[d].”
The ongoing clashes underscore the deepening rift between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy. Trump has implemented sweeping changes via executive orders and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to broaden deportation authority.
Violence flared Friday during ICE raids in Paramount and other Los Angeles areas, leading to at least 44 arrests. Protesters have reportedly hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at officers, with burning debris and vehicles ablaze. Law enforcement has responded with tear gas and rubber bullets in hours-long standoffs.
In a Sunday statement, Harris wrote on X, “I continue to support the millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms.” She added, “Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos… it is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
Harris’s statement did not explicitly condemn the violence, distinguishing her position from that of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who earlier expressed deep anger over the “tactics [that] sow terror in our communities.” The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly Sunday, initiating arrests and maintaining a significant law enforcement and National Guard presence across the city, which remains on tactical alert.
Harris Decries Trump’s National Guard Deployment Amid L.A. Immigration Protests
Former Vice President Kamala Harris strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, labeling it a “dangerous escalation” and “cruel” amidst a third consecutive day of violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Harris defended the “overwhelmingly peaceful” nature of the protests in her home state, a stance that notably contrasts with local officials’ condemnation of the accompanying violence.
The unrest, which began last week in response to intensified federal immigration enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has spiraled into widespread confrontations. Reports include rock-throwing, alleged Molotov cocktails, burning vehicles, and numerous arrests across multiple Los Angeles locations. These raids are part of the Trump administration’s pledge to execute the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, with some operations reportedly sweeping up individuals with proper documentation.
President Trump authorized the National Guard mobilization Saturday evening, citing violence against law enforcement, specifically ICE agents conducting deportation raids. While the raids adhere to federal directives, protests have been fueled by unconfirmed reports of detainees being held in a federal building basement—allegations ICE has “categorically refute[d].”
The ongoing clashes underscore the deepening rift between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy. Trump has implemented sweeping changes via executive orders and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to broaden deportation authority.
Violence flared Friday during ICE raids in Paramount and other Los Angeles areas, leading to at least 44 arrests. Protesters have reportedly hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at officers, with burning debris and vehicles ablaze. Law enforcement has responded with tear gas and rubber bullets in hours-long standoffs.
In a Sunday statement, Harris wrote on X, “I continue to support the millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms.” She added, “Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos… it is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
Harris’s statement did not explicitly condemn the violence, distinguishing her position from that of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who earlier expressed deep anger over the “tactics [that] sow terror in our communities.” The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly Sunday, initiating arrests and maintaining a significant law enforcement and National Guard presence across the city, which remains on tactical alert.
