CW Note

CWA # 1711
CW Note
The US: Protests against Trump’s immigration raid in Los Angeles

Gauri Gupta
14 June 2025

Photo Source: AFP

In the news
On 10 June, California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit against the federal government for misusing Title 10 for political reasons and violating states’ rights and civil freedoms. Subsequently, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a curfew in the city.

On 9 June, Trump, under Title 10 of the US Code, ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard and 700 active-duty Marines.  On 10 June, California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, fired back at Trump, saying: “Democracy is under assault.” 

On 11 June, protests in Los Angeles spread to New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. Trump responded to the protests: "We will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy." He referred to the protestors as "animals.”

On 8 June, protesters blocked parts of the 101 Freeway. Police used rubber bullets, smoke grenades, and tear gas to control the crowd. 

On 7 June, protests spread violently to Compton and Paramount. Protestors set fires to vehicles, and many were arrested for damaging property and resisting law enforcement.

On 6 June, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the US executed a large-scale raid in Los Angeles, targeting undocumented immigrants. This triggered immediate protests by immigrants and residents, condemning the federal crackdown.

Issues at large
First, Trump's deployment of federal agents. Trump deployed around 4000 National Guard and 700 Marines to quell the widespread protests against the federal immigration crackdown. The protest began when federal agents carried out an immigration raid across LA, arresting over 100 undocumented immigrants. Trump says the move was also to protect the federal agents performing their duty. Trump used Title 10 of the United States Code to deploy the National Guard. Title 10 permits the President to deploy military forces without the state's consent during a national emergency. 

Second, the demography of immigrants in California. In California, immigrants contribute about 27 per cent of the total population. In Los Angeles, immigrants contribute about one-third of the population, and among them, 951,000 are undocumented. They are mostly from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Currently, they are employed at farms, factories, and care jobs, and they contribute extensively to the economy. 

Third, federal versus state government. Trump surpassed state authority by deploying federal troops without the consent of California's Governor Gavin Newsom; the move was the first since 1965. It angered California’s leaders, especially democrats, who said it undermined state authority and control over law enforcement. Newsom responded by challenging Trump's decision in court. For Trump, the move implied a tough action from the federal government against what he called "lawless behaviour" during the protest. For California state authorities, the deployment represented a breach of constitutional federalism, as law enforcement within state borders falls under state jurisdiction. 
 
In perspective
First, Trump’s agenda. Trump supporters view the action as protective. However, the strong response from California state authorities implies Trump’s overreach of his presidential powers. It has sparked concern about fairness, respect for community voices and freedom of expression in American society. 

Second, the expansion of protest. The protests were an expression of anger over civil rights violations, police conduct, and discrimination. It spread violently in the neighbouring cities, reflecting growing frustration over Trump’s harsh law enforcement methods. These events also united people across regions and turned isolated anger into collective protests. Law and order became a tool to silence dissent, not protect citizens. This highlights that peaceful voices were met with weapons, not dialogue.

About the author
Gauri Gupta is a postgraduate student at Stella Marris College, Chennai. 

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