Former U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles, amid growing criticism from local leaders and civil rights advocates.
Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, saying they were ineffective in controlling the situation on the ground. He described their leadership as “useless” amid the unrest.
In response, Mayor Bass explained that the city had remained relatively calm until federal immigration raids were carried out, triggering widespread chaos and public anger. She accused federal authorities of conducting mass arrests without warning, which in turn sparked large-scale protests across the city.
Local police reported that around 100 individuals were arrested for vandalizing several government buildings during the demonstrations.
Governor Newsom, on the other hand, expressed his strong opposition to the unauthorized deployment of federal forces. He is reportedly considering legal action against Trump for mobilizing the National Guard without the state’s consent.
The situation remains tense in Los Angeles as state and federal authorities clash over jurisdiction and the handling of public unrest.
