Trump orders federal crackdown to ‘liberate’ Los Angeles amid migrant unrest

Washington: Donald Trump has announced a sweeping federal response to the escalating unrest in Los Angeles following a series of immigration raids, vowing that “order will be restored” and “Los Angeles will be set free.”

Trump accused “Illegal Aliens and Criminals” of having “invaded and occupied” the city, referring to the protests as “violent, insurrectionist mobs” attempting to halt deportation operations.

“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals. Now, violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations, but these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,” he wrote on Truth Social.

He continued: “I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in coordination with all other relevant Departments and Agencies, to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion, and put an end to these Migrant riots. Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The protests erupted after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out sweeping raids across the city, arresting dozens of undocumented immigrants. In response to the growing demonstrations, Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order. CNN has reported that around 300 troops have already been stationed at three locations across the city.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has pushed back against the federal move, expressing confidence in local authorities’ ability to manage the situation.

“I do not believe that is called for because I am confident that LAPD [Los Angeles Police Department] and other law enforcement agencies like the sheriffs can handle things in Los Angeles,” she said, responding to the National Guard deployment.

Trump’s decision came after he claimed that both Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom were incapable of restoring order.

“I certainly reject the notion that neither the governor or I can do our jobs — we've been in close collaboration and having said that — I've also been in close communication and collaboration with representatives in the White House so I reject that notion and feel that we can be in charge and deal with what has happened here,” said Bass.

Governor Newsom also criticised the federal response, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and warning that it risked eroding public confidence.

“Donald Trump's chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America's economy,” Newsom said.