Los Angeles was thrust into chaos on Sunday as thousands of protesters clashed with law enforcement following US President Donald Trump’s unprecedented decision to deploy National Guard troops without state approval. The federal show of force—aimed at quelling outrage over recent immigration raids—sparked street blockades, flaming vehicles, and violent confrontations, especially around downtown federal buildings and the 101 freeway.Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move as “a serious breach of state sovereignty,” while protestors accused the administration of intimidation and escalation. With tear gas choking city streets, self-driving cars ablaze, and heavily armed Guard troops lining federal sites, LA became the epicenter of a political and constitutional confrontation that’s quickly outgrown the immigration raids that ignited it.
10 key developments
1. Trump bypasses governor, deploys guard
In a move unseen since the Civil Rights era, Trump activated 2,000 National Guard troops without Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent, prompting legal and constitutional backlash.
2. Downtown LA turns into flashpoint
Protests converged near the federal detention center, where troops stood armed with long guns and riot shields. Tear gas and smoke canisters filled the air as protesters surged forward.
3. Self-driving cars set ablaze
At least four Waymo vehicles were torched, erupting into explosions and sending thick black smoke into the skyline—a dramatic symbol of tech-targeted rage and chaos.
4. Freeway blockade disrupts city
Protesters halted traffic on the 101 freeway, hurling debris and fireworks at police. Officers took cover under overpasses as crowd-control rounds echoed above.
5. ‘It’s a serious breach of state sovereignty’ — Newsom
The governor slammed Trump for triggering unrest with “purposefully inflammatory” action. He demanded the Guard’s removal in a direct challenge to federal authority.
6. Clashes escalate despite unlawful assembly orders
As night fell, LAPD declared multiple unlawful assemblies, but some demonstrators stayed behind barricades, throwing objects and resisting dispersal.
7. Trump doubles down on law-and-order message
“There were violent people… and they’re not gonna get away with it,” Trump told reporters. He hinted at wider troop deployments, saying, “We’re gonna have troops everywhere.”
8. FBI offers reward for attacks on officers
A $50,000 reward was posted for tips on a protester accused of injuring a federal officer in Paramount—signaling a shift toward criminal investigations.
9. Democrats call it power grab
Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass said Trump was “trying to manufacture a crisis.” A coalition of Democratic governors called the deployment “an alarming abuse of power.”
10. ICE arrests cross 100 amid legal uncertainty
Federal immigration arrests exceeded 100 over the week, including individuals with legal status. Civil liberties groups warned of indiscriminate enforcement and looming lawsuits.
