President Donald Trump has vowed that the aggressive immigration enforcement tactics seen in Los Angeles will be replicated across the country, as protests and legal challenges continue to unfold in California.“Yes,” Trump said when asked if Americans should expect similar ICE operations elsewhere. “We’re moving murderers out of our country who were put here by Biden… We’re not going to let them stay… I can inform the rest of the country that if they [riot], they will be met with equal or greater force.”Trump also lashed at Gov Gavin Newsom during his appearance at Fort Bragg. While standing behind sandbags and flanked by military personnel, Trump decried flag-burners and defended the use of federal troops.“People that burned the American flag should go to jail for one year,” he said. “We’re working with some of your senators. I know Senator Josh Hawley is very much involved.”
Here’s the latest from Los Angeles protest:
Trump slams California leadership, promises to ‘liberate’ LA
At the Fort Bragg event, Trump painted a dire picture of Los Angeles, calling it a “trash heap” and declaring that “entire neighbourhoods” were under criminal control.“They’re incompetent,” he said, referring to California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass, as some troops booed. “We will liberate Los Angeles and make it free, clean, and safe again.”The president insisted that the National Guard had played a crucial role in restoring order in the city, though Mayor Bass disputed this, claiming local law enforcement had managed the situation. “They are not out doing crowd control or anything like that,” she said. “Who saved the day was our local law enforcement agencies.”
Tensions rise as ICE raids spark protests and legal pushback
The situation in Los Angeles escalated after Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines following protests against federal immigration raids. A federal judge has denied California’s request for an emergency restraining order to block the troop deployment but has scheduled a hearing for Thursday.Governor Newsom called the raids an overreach and warned that they would worsen civil unrest. “It’s a sense of intimidation and fear that is just so unnecessary,” echoed Mayor Bass.In Omaha, federal agents raided a meat processing plant, drawing protests and clashes as demonstrators attempted to block the removal of immigrant workers. The plant’s operator, Glenn Valley Foods, declined to comment.
Security tightened at schools and public events
The impact of the federal crackdown has rippled beyond protest zones. Los Angeles school officials increased security at over 100 graduation ceremonies amid fears of potential ICE actions.“Our schools are places of education and inspiration, not fear and intimidation,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, who urged parents to stay alert and keep emergency contact details updated.Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, police said four officers injured during protests had been treated and released. Authorities used pepper spray and tear gas after demonstrators reportedly threw rocks and bottles.
Divided reactions in Congress
Reactions from lawmakers have been sharply divided. Republican Congressman David Valadao condemned violence in Los Angeles but expressed concern over the ICE raids.“I support the First Amendment right to peacefully protest, but the violence and vandalism… is unacceptable,” he said. “I remain concerned about ongoing ICE operations… urging [the administration] to prioritise the removal of known criminals over the hardworking people who have lived peacefully.”Despite mounting criticism and legal obstacles, President Trump has signalled that he has no intention of backing down, warning that any future unrest will be met with “very big force”.
