State vs. federal power clash over Trump’s National Guard deployment

According to Reuters, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy stated, “It’s important to remember that Trump isn’t trying to maintain peace. He’s seeking to stoke division and conflict. His deployment of the National Guard isn’t about faith in democracy or protest, and if they get the chance to end law enforcement, they’ll surely take it.”

Democratic Senator Cory Booker also condemned Trump’s action, taken without the approval of California authorities, warning that it would only escalate tensions. In an interview, Booker accused Trump of hypocrisy, pointing to his inaction during the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by his supporters.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump’s decision, stating, “He has no concerns about this. One of our fundamental principles is maintaining peace through strength. We do this in both foreign and domestic affairs. I don’t think this is a repressive action.”

Republican Senator James Lankford added, “The President is trying to reduce tensions.” He referenced the 2020 unrest in Seattle and Portland, where National Guard forces were deployed and restored calm.

Three days after the start of immigration-related protests in Los Angeles and Trump’s order to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to suppress demonstrators, violent clashes between police and protesters continue, with dozens arrested so far.

The clashes began after federal immigration agents conducted raids against immigrants in the city, detaining several individuals.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles illegal, stating, “We’re here to maintain peace, not to play Trump’s political games.” He announced that the state is likely to file a lawsuit today in response to Trump’s decision.

In a post on the social media platform X, Newsom accused Trump of attempting to exacerbate the crisis and violating California’s state sovereignty, saying, “These are the actions of a dictator, not a president.”

Additionally, governors of 22 Democratic-led states condemned Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, calling it ineffective, dangerous, and a clear abuse of presidential power.

Protests spread to San Francisco

Protesters in San Francisco, who gathered to peacefully express solidarity with Los Angeles demonstrators advocating for immigrant rights, clashed with riot police, leading to violent protests.

According to The New York Times, the demonstrations in San Francisco began on Sunday evening (local time). Protesters initially gathered peacefully to show support for those in Los Angeles, but the peaceful rally quickly turned violent after physical confrontations between some protesters and police in the city’s main street.

The gathering took place outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Sansome Street, in front of the Transamerica Pyramid skyscraper. One protester was dressed as the Statue of Liberty, while others held flags and placards opposing authoritarianism.

However, the peaceful protest turned violent as some participants moved onto Sansome Street and faced off against riot police equipped with batons. The San Francisco police declared the gathering unlawful and arrested 60 individuals.